Planning Commission holds public hearing on special-use permit for two restaurants at 1351 E. Grand River

The East Lansing Planning Commission on Jan. 8 held a public hearing on a special-use permit request for 1351 East Grand River Ave., where the applicant seeks approval to operate two restaurants (the Morning Post and Dinolfo's) with alcohol service and a seasonally modified patio. The commission opened and closed the public hearing and did not take a final vote; staff and the applicant said the matter will return for action at a subsequent meeting.

The request covers interior alterations to create two distinct dining concepts in a single building, plus alcohol service and a modified patio. Planning staff told commissioners the property currently has an existing special-use permit with an occupancy cap of 154 and that the applicant is asking to change that capacity to 172 (an increase of 18). Staff also noted the Morning Post…