Planning Commission backs Pizza Walla’s request to serve alcohol at East Grand River location

The East Lansing Planning Commission on March 26 recommended City Council approve a special-use permit allowing Pizza Walla to serve on-site alcohol at 523 E. Grand River Ave.

Grace Whitney, associate planner, said the applicant proposes indoor seating of at least 128 diners, a seasonal patio with up to 32 seats on private property and an overall patron capacity not to exceed 260 persons. Whitney noted the application had been routed to police and the department raised no objections; the fire department had minor comments on exit illumination.

Commissioner Overby moved and Commissioner Chapin seconded the motion to recommend approval with conditions. Those conditions — largely patterned on requirements applied to nearby establishments — include obtaining all required building permits; filing the approved special-use memorandum with the Ingham County Register of Deeds; limiting hours of operation to 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; prohibiting persons under 21 from being on the premises after 11 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; vacating the outdoor service area by 11 p.m.; and ensuring the seasonal outdoor seating does not increase the facility’s overall permitted capacity.

Grace Whitney and staff said the renderings are conceptual and the final finishes may vary but the plan, floor plan and patio layout would be approved as submitted and per testimony. Commissioners asked that any outdoor seating comply with Liquor Control Commission rules (a hard barrier is required for outdoor alcohol service) and discussed pedestrian/bike access and potential impacts on nearby patios such as the Peanut Barrel; staff said notices had been sent to businesses within 300 feet and the DDA would also review the project.

After discussion the commission approved the recommendation to council. The commission’s action forwards the special-use permit, with the stated conditions, to City Council for final decision.