Planning Commission recommends council approval for two restaurants and expanded capacity at 1351 E. Grand River

The East Lansing Planning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 22 to recommend City Council approve a special-use permit for 1351 East Grand River to allow two restaurants, alcohol service and an increased patron capacity not to exceed 175.

The commission’s motion, moved by Commissioner Lapine and seconded by Vice Chair Wagner, recommended approval of a request from Arnulfo Ramirez of Los Tres Amigos Brookfield LLC for interior alterations to create two restaurants identified in the application as the Morning Post and De Nulfo’s, and a modified outdoor patio. The packet included five recommended conditions of approval; the motion was amended on the floor to include those conditions. After a voice vote, Chair Sullivan said, “Aye,” and the motion carried unanimously.

Staff told the commission a prior approval had established a patron capacity of 154 for the building; the new special-use permit would raise the maximum capacity to 175. Applicant representative Ethan McKenzie said the project as designed does not expect both restaurants to be filled simultaneously because both sides share a single kitchen and staffing levels would not support simultaneous full-capacity service. McKenzie confirmed seating counts in the packet: 93 seats for the Morning Post, 56 seats for the steak-and-seafood side, and 28 patio seats, for a summer maximum of roughly 121 patrons on-site during typical operations.

Commissioners who spoke in support cited the use of an existing building and parking, the site’s fit with surrounding uses, and the business concept. No public comments were made during the public hearing at the previous meeting and staff reported no new public input on the project as of Jan. 22.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action at a date to be determined.