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Pizza Walla seeks alcohol service at downtown East Lansing location; council holds public hearing
Summary
An applicant seeking a special use permit to allow alcohol service at 523 E. Grand River Ave. presented plans and answered council questions at a public hearing. The council took no final action and moved the item to the next meeting.
East Lansing — The City Council held a public hearing Tuesday on a special use permit application for alcohol service at Pizza Walla, proposed to occupy 523 East Grand River Ave., and did not vote on the request.
Applicant and staff presentations: Associate planner Grama Whitney told council the applicant proposes an indoor occupancy of 98 people and an outdoor seasonal patio with roughly 28 seats. The property is zoned B-3 City Center Commercial. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal and recommended approval with conditions.
Property owner and leasing supporters spoke in favor. Jeff Horan, representing building owners Phipps Horan, said Pizza Walla is “making a major investment in this building” and called alcohol service “critical for their success.” Carson Patton of Martin Commercial Properties said the restaurant would “enhance the city's diverse culinary landscape” and that alcohol service would help provide a full dining experience.
Applicant responses and conditions: The applicant clarified an earlier discrepancy about occupant load, confirming interior occupancy was corrected to 98 and that patio seating would be approximately 28 seats. Planner Whitney noted one condition recommended by the Planning Commission: the proposed licensing would restrict entry of persons under 21 after 11 p.m. without a parent or guardian.
Council questions and timing: Councilmembers asked about seating versus maximum occupancy and whether minors would be allowed after certain hours. Councilmember Meadows raised concerns about how licensed occupancy and seating are enforced and compared the proposal to other recent licensing conversations. No formal vote was taken; council said it would place the item on the next regular meeting agenda for further consideration.
What’s next: The application will return to the council at a subsequent regular meeting. Council members and staff said they will expect final plans, clarified conditions (including any restrictions on patio alcohol service hours), and any adjustments to occupancy or operational commitments at that time.
Speakers and proponents: Grama Whitney, Associate Planner; Hassan Beydoun (Decorah Inc./applicant representative); Sugata Roy and Sugata (applicant/owner); Jeff Horan (building owner representative); Carson Patton (commercial broker); Councilmembers Ian Altman, Mark Meadows, Sarah Watson; Mayor Pro Tem Singh; Mayor Brookover.
