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Commission forwards Snap Taco for planning review, schedules liquor‑license hearings and postpones Daxton Hotel decision
Summary
At its Feb. 9 regular meeting, the commission sent Snap Taco’s bistro/outdoor‑dining options to the planning board, approved routine liquor‑license renewals while scheduling hearings for two problematic establishments, postponed the Daxton Hotel’s loading‑space amendment to Feb. 23 to refine enforceable conditions, and approved a special‑use name change for Bezos.
BIRMINGHAM — The City Commission on Feb. 9 handled a slate of land‑use and licensing items after the evening session reconvened following a workshop.
Bistro review: Planning director Nick Dupuy presented Snap Taco’s revised outdoor‑dining plan with three layout options. Commissioners raised safety and ADA concerns about Option B (planters and a narrowed sidewalk that would force some patrons to cross a drive lane) and suggested the applicant reduce the footprint. The commission voted unanimously to forward the application to the planning board for final site‑plan and design review and recommendation.
Liquor licenses: Staff presented the annual renewal resolution for Class B/C/microbrewery licenses. After a police report that described limited cooperation from staff at one operator, commissioners voted to approve renewals for compliant establishments and set a public hearing on March 9 for two operators identified for additional review (listed on the agenda). Police Captain Wald told the commission that cooperation — providing timely statements and follow‑up — was a key factor in selecting which licenses to pull for hearing. Representatives of the affected establishments disputed the characterization and said they had taken mitigation steps including controlled buys and tax payment.
Daxton Hotel: The Daxton sought a special‑use amendment to repurpose an off‑street loading bay into an in‑house laundry and trash compactor, saying that deliveries would be routed to the hotel’s lower level and service elevator. Commissioners questioned how the city would enforce vendor routing and avoid center‑lane blockages on Old Woodward. After debate, a previously announced motion to approve was withdrawn and the commission postponed the matter to Feb. 23 so staff and the applicant could draft clearer, enforceable contract language and review conditions.
Other actions: The commission appointed Tim Bradley as an alternate to the ethics board (term to 06/30/2026) and confirmed appointments and concurrences to multiple advisory bodies. The commission also approved a non‑substantive special‑use amendment to change an establishment’s name (to "Bezos") by roll call. At the end of the meeting the commission entered closed session to discuss pending litigation concerning the Community House and the city’s efforts to enforce deed restrictions; the mayor reported post‑session that the city will continue litigation and pursue documents and discovery to support enforcement.
Next steps: Snap Taco will appear before the planning board for site‑plan review; the March 9 hearing will hear evidence on the two liquor‑license renewals identified for further scrutiny; the Daxton item returns Feb. 23 with proposed enforceable language.
