Public hearing held on zoning change request to allow Cups and Cheers to stay open until 2 a.m.; council lays item over

Saint Paul City Council held a public hearing on Ordinance 25‑36 on a proposed zoning amendment to create an additional commercial development district at 1624/1626 White Bear Avenue North and to allow extended late‑night operation for the business at that location.

The applicants and business operators spoke in favor. "In order for us to stay in business, that's why we asked to change the zoning so we could open till 2AM," said Nufu Chang, who identified themself as a co‑owner of Cups and Cheers. Chang described revenue losses from the pandemic and nearby construction and said extending hours is one of the few ways the business can remain viable without raising prices for neighborhood customers.

Residents and neighborhood representatives voiced concerns about how the application was circulated and potential impacts. "The only real concern I have about this proposal to extend hours is the way it was done," said Yanni Hummus, identifying themself as a resident, who said the initial application included only business owners and not nearby residents. Lisa Tice, executive director of the Greater East Side District 2 Community Council, told the council the district council had no formal letter of support or opposition but relayed neighbor worries about noise, late‑night traffic into adjacent residential streets, and potential increases in crime. Tice said neighbors immediately behind the property are particularly concerned.

Councilmembers thanked both the business representatives and community speakers and encouraged continued local coordination. Councilmember Yeh said she appreciated the business’s commitment to the East Side and welcomed further discussion on potential policy improvements. Councilmember Yang and Councilmember Johnson urged businesses and the district council to continue communicating about safety measures and plans if hours are extended.

The council took a procedural vote to close the public hearing. Ms. Yang moved to close the public hearing; the motion passed, "6 in favor, not opposed," and the council laid the item over for final adoption at the June 25 meeting. No final zoning decision or ordinance adoption occurred at the hearing.

The ordinance language on the record refers to "Ordinance 25‑36, amending appendix to chapter 409 of the legislative code pursuant to section 17.07.1 of the charter and section 409.2 of the legislative code to create an additional commercial development district at 1624/1626 White Bear Avenue North." The council recorded that the public hearing portion of the process is complete and that a final vote will occur on June 25.

Council staff and the owners were invited to continue outreach with neighbors and the District 2 council prior to the final vote.