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Committee approves Soul and Smoke sidewalk café layout but removes funding
Summary
The committee approved a year‑round sidewalk café layout and permanent fixtures for Soul and Smoke but amended the motion to exclude an up‑to‑$25,000 funding request; the amendment and final motion passed 6–0 after public comments criticizing prior funding decisions.
The committee approved use of the public way for a year‑round sidewalk café and permanent fixtures for Soul and Smoke restaurant but removed the item’s funding authorization.
Council member Kelly moved the item forward and later proposed an amendment to exclude the funding portion (the up‑to‑$25,000 funding request). The amendment was seconded, passed by roll call, and the committee subsequently approved the amended item 6–0.
Members of the public had urged denials or more scrutiny during the public comment period. Public commenter Tina Paden urged the committee to deny item A13 and questioned prior financial decisions, alleging Soul and Smoke had received significant grant money; Brenda Greer and Priscilla Giles also urged preservation and community use of neighborhood properties tied to Family Focus and Foster School, which colored public concern about how public space and funds are used.
The committee’s action approves the sidewalk‑cafe layout (use of the public way and permanent fixtures) but does not approve any city funding for the project; funding, if later requested, would require separate consideration.
What comes next: The amended approval will go to the full City Council for final action on use of the public way; any future funding requests would need explicit council approval.
