Highland Park council denies special land use for proposed 'Tequila Downs' at 1400 Woodward

The Highland Park City Council voted unanimously Monday to deny a special land-use permit for a proposed adult business at 1400 Woodward Ave., referred to in applications as "Tequila Downs," after residents and block-club leaders spoke against the proposal and the Planning Commission recommended denial.

Council President Thomas read the Planning Commission record into the public meeting, saying, "The planning commission voted 3 to 1 to not recommend this establishment on Woodward and Manchester." That recommendation, plus more than a dozen residents' statements, framed council debate and the ultimate vote.

Residents from nearby senior housing and block clubs spoke for more than an hour during the public-comment period. Janice Walker, a resident of LaBelle Towers, told the council she and other seniors opposed the proposal because of safety and quality-of-life concerns: "We don't want this," she said, describing worries about fights, drugs and people lingering near the building's entrances. Multiple speakers said children use the Woodward route to get to school and that the proposed use would be close to bus stops and senior housing.

Wayne County Sheriff Rafael Washington also addressed the council during public comment, denying reports that his office had agreed to provide private security for the proposed business: "That's an absolute lie ... Nobody has ever said anything to me," he said, adding the sheriff's office responds to calls but does not provide the kind of private security the proposal's supporters reportedly described.

The Highland Park police chief likewise told the council the department "has no intention on securing, privately securing, any strip clubs in the city," and said departmental policy restricts officers from taking secondary employment at local clubs because of conflict-of-interest concerns. The chief also disputed a public statement that the department had only three officers on duty, saying the force "far exceed[s] 3 police officers."

Councilwoman Manuka moved to deny the special-land-use resolution; the chair supported the motion. The deputy clerk then called the roll and the motion carried unanimously. The council's recorded vote on the motion to deny was 5-0 in favor of denial.

Some speakers and one councilmember urged additional public process before a final council decision. One councilmember said denying the permit without an additional workshop or broader public hearing could expose the city to legal challenge; other members and the chair noted the Planning Commission procedures and prior public hearing record. The council proceeded to a vote after hearing from applicants' supporters and opponents.

The council's denial leaves the Planning Commission's recommendation intact; the application record shows a preliminary meeting on Feb. 19, 2025, and a public hearing on April 9, 2025, before the commission moved to recommend denial by a 3-to-1 margin, as read into the council record. Council members said the planning and zoning record informed their decision and that future applicants should follow the city's zoning and public-notice processes.

Council members and staff did not announce any immediate next steps for the applicant at the meeting. The council adjourned its agenda business and moved to other items after the vote.