Committee clears multiple licenses, receives Skyway report

The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee approved a broad consent agenda (items 7–24) that included liquor and gambling licenses, a local historic landmark designation, a street‑name change set to move forward to full council, and referrals of several zoning items to staff.

Licenses manager Amy Lingo presented three public hearings that the committee approved: Broder’s Cucina Italiana’s upgrade to a full liquor license and interior expansion; North Star Deli’s application for a 12‑seat sidewalk cafe; and Minneapolis Motor Mart’s request for extended hours/24‑hour operation with window service overnight. Each application received staff recommendation for approval and the committee voted to carry the motions following public testimony in support.

The committee also received a response to a legislative directive on the Minneapolis Skyway system. City and DID staff described the city’s administrative review and encroachment permit processes, safety and bird‑safe glazing standards, and complaint‑driven enforcement. The Downtown Improvement District reported that DID service charges do not cover skyway management and that residential properties do not pay into the DID; DID and city staff said they will convene stakeholders and pursue coordinated improvements, including wayfinding and a Skyway subcommittee.

Next steps: items referred to staff will proceed per committee instructions; city staff and the Downtown Improvement District will follow up on skyway questions and convene stakeholders for ongoing work.