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Neighbors press council over expanded Cedar Inn license; committee continues item for two cycles
Summary
After lengthy neighborhood testimony alleging noise, over-serving, parking and safety problems, the committee voted to continue consideration of the Cedar Inn’s expanded liquor and entertainment license for two cycles to allow staff, the owner and residents to negotiate mitigations, including a possible good-neighbor agreement.
The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee kept the liquor-license application for the Cedar Inn (4141 Cedar Avenue South) open, voting to continue the matter for two cycles after extensive public testimony by neighbors and business owners who said the bar’s expanded capacity and hours have harmed neighborhood livability.
Amy Lingo, business-licensing manager in CPED, summarized the application: the applicant requested an on-sale limited-entertainment license with Sunday sales and a 2 a.m. closing, providing 100 interior seats and 38 seats outside on two screened private patios. Lingo reported the city received 20 written comments — “1 in support, 1 in support with some concerns, and 18 that are opposed” — and recommended continuing the item for one to two cycles so staff could address concerns with the community and applicant.
Multiple residents described recurring late-night noise, over-served patrons leaving intoxicated, parking loss after nearby spot removals, property damage and safety incidents. One neighbor said he had witnessed customers fall and die on the sidewalk in 2023; others described vandalism and fights. Zoe Giesen testified the bar had "demonstrated a disregard for the peace and safety at their smaller location" and urged denial. Neighbors recommended a good-neighbor agreement, added off-street parking or other enforceable mitigations.
Owner Jim (Cedar Inn) said he had worked to improve the business, would close outdoor areas at 10 p.m. initially and could hire security if revenue allowed. Staff said the location showed 10 police calls in 2025 for the address but that they had not verified whether each call was directly related to the business.
Vice Chair Chowdhury moved to continue the item for two cycles (to Oct. 14) to allow licensing staff to work with the community and the applicant; the motion carried by voice vote. Several councilmembers said they supported negotiating a good-neighbor agreement and addressing current problems at the existing site independent of the license decision.
What’s next: The public hearing remains open and will be revisited on Oct. 14; staff and council indicated they intend to facilitate community meetings and explore enforceable mitigations before the next hearing.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 549, topfinish SEG 1640
