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Commission approves Cafe Racer special exceptions with exterior-plan condition after debate over parking and design
Summary
The Decatur commission approved special exceptions to allow a Cafe Racer restaurant at East College and Commerce Drive — increasing maximum parking from 19 to 30 spaces and lowering the minimum building height to 17 feet — adding a DDA-recommended condition that final plans be substantially similar to the exterior/site exhibits shown to commissioners.
Casey Krzyk, planning-and-zoning staff, introduced a request for two special exceptions for 541 East College Avenue and the adjacent 170 Commerce Drive parcel: raise the maximum parking from 19 to 30 spaces and reduce the minimum building height from 24 feet to 17 (with a 15-foot low point).
Michelle Battle, counsel for the petitioner, described site constraints from surrounding narrow streets and the lack of safe on-street parking nearby; she said employees arrive as early as 4 a.m. to prepare food and argued additional on-site spaces are needed for staff safety and…
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