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Marquette commission backs Sips and Suds’ application for development-district liquor license at 629 North 3rd Street
Summary
The Marquette City Commission voted 6–0 to recommend that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission approve a development-district Class C liquor license for Sips and Suds LLC at 629 North 3rd Street after hearing from the applicant and staff about zoning and state requirements.
The Marquette City Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission approve a development-district Class C on-premises liquor license for Sips and Suds LLC, an applicant planning a combined laundromat-and-bar at 629 North 3rd Street.
Matt Blondo, the applicant, told the commission he plans to “shrink the laundromat down a little bit and put a bar on the inside,” renovate the property, add attended service and possibly rooftop seating, and “clean up the north wall” and other exterior encroachments. The city clerk said the application had been reviewed and approved by the city police, fire, community development and finance departments and recommended that the commission adopt a resolution in support of the state application.
Commissioner Gottlieb moved to deny the resolution until the commission received confirmation about whether the address met zoning requirements, clarification on the state’s investment threshold, and assurance there would be opportunities for public and planning commission input. The city attorney explained that the commission’s role is limited to determining if there is reason to oppose the applicant and that zoning and the state’s investment criteria are controlled by the city’s land-development code and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, not by the commission’s resolution. Deputy City Manager Sean Hobbins advised that development-district licenses carry a $20,000 fee and require at least a $75,000 capital investment into the structure under state rules.
On a roll-call vote the motion to deny failed 0–6. Pro Tem Ottaway then moved to approve the resolution recommending state approval; Commissioner Davis seconded and the commission approved the resolution 6–0. By approving the local resolution the commission cleared a required local step; the applicant must still meet zoning and state criteria and apply to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
The applicant returned during the second public-comment period to clarify he also owns a liquor store on 4th Street, said he had no outstanding violations, and stated that planning staff confirmed the site is in Zone T5 and that the use is permitted with a zoning permit.
