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Council approves Land Shark expansion with conditions, limits occupancy to 240
Summary
The City Council approved a special use permit to expand the Land Shark bar/restaurant at 101 E. Grand River Ave., including alcohol service and a maximum indoor occupancy of 240, by a 4‑1 vote; one council member opposed.
The East Lansing City Council approved a special‑use permit to expand the Land Shark at 101 E. Grand River Ave. on Tuesday, allowing alcohol service and an increased indoor patron capacity capped at 240 people.
Why it matters: The decision allows the downtown hospitality business to increase seating and operate with a higher occupancy, subject to ten conditions intended to address life‑safety, nuisance and enforcement concerns.
The council approved the permit 4‑1. Council member Meadows moved the approval and was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Singh. Council member Aldman voted in opposition.
The planning department confirmed the applicant, Joe David, revised the layout to add 28 physical seats as requested by council at an earlier meeting. Alicia Wright of the Planning Department told council the applicant’s state license is active and that occupancy is determined by building code. Wright also noted prior recommendations from the Planning Commission and the Downtown Development Authority.
The approval included 10 conditions: compliance with the applicant’s plans and any required revisions; a maximum indoor occupancy of 240 per building and fire code requirements; obtaining all building and sign permits; development in accordance with state and local statutes and codes; recording the memorandum of special use with the county register of deeds before taking effect; an after‑11 p.m. policy prohibiting unaccompanied persons under 21; maintaining required state liquor licensing and city entertainment permits; working with police to implement a security plan and staff training; operating consistent with responsible business practices to avoid public nuisances; and compliance with the City Code performance standards for businesses selling alcoholic beverages (section 50‑94 and chapter 18).
Applicant remarks: Joe David told council he would add the requested 28 seats and described patrons’ preferences for seating and a dance floor as part of the revised plan.
Next steps: The memorandum of special use must be recorded with the Ingham County Register of Deeds for the approval to take effect. The applicant must also obtain required building permits and any state and city alcohol/entertainment approvals before operating under the new occupancy.
