Council approves special-use permit for Bull Street restaurant with liquor sales, 8–1

Council considered a special-use permit for 2805 Bull Street to allow a bar/tavern use in a TC-1 zoning district and to clarify whether liquor sales were permitted in addition to beer and wine. The property previously received MPC and council approval for a wine-bar concept in 2022; the current petition sought to clarify that limited liquor sales would be allowed in the future under the same special-use permit framework and to maintain non-transferability of the permit.

Neighbors who live within the 300-foot notice radius spoke in opposition, citing increased noise, lighting and litter with expanded liquor sales, concern about the special use covering the whole building rather than a single suite, and tight parking conditions aggravated by nearby student housing. The applicant's agent, Josh Yellen, said the operation would remain food-focused, would not be a full bar with a large back bar of bottles, and that the special-use permit is nontransferable so any future ownership change would require council review.

Council closed the hearing and, following discussion of the use conditions and staff clarifications that the permit applies only to the Late Air suite footprint shown in plans, voted to approve the special-use permit with the stipulations discussed in the meeting record. The motion passed 8–1.

Action: Special-use permit approved; vote recorded in minutes as passed with one opposing vote.