Planning commission approves Mi Cartagena Cafe expansion, conditions off‑site parking on 10‑year lease

The Detroit Lakes Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a nonconforming-use expansion for Mi Cartagena Cafe at 702 West Lake Drive and granted a parking variance on the condition that the applicant obtain a 10‑year lease for nine off-site parking spaces.

City planner Larry (speaker 6) told the commission the cafe seeks to expand from 238 square feet to 983 square feet inside the existing building, creating about 383 square feet of dining area (roughly a dozen seats), 350 square feet of kitchen and prep space, and 250 square feet for restrooms and storage. He said the site currently has 14 spaces and the owner plans to reconfigure to 18; the expanded use would require 27 spaces under the ordinance.

"Option 1 is to have the city grant a variance and not require the nine additional parking spaces," Larry said, adding the alternative is to provide the nine spaces off-site, within 400 feet of the business, and to secure a lease for a minimum period. He said staff recommended approval of both the expansion permit and the variance provided the off-site parking requirement is met with a 10‑year lease.

Supporters of the project told the commission the expansion is intended to improve working conditions and allow the owner to hire staff. Carolice Westbrook (speaker 10), a nearby business owner, said she and customers support the renovation and that reconfigured parking on the property is part of the plan. "It's really just making a better workplace for me and then be able to hire someone," Westbrook said.

Sarah Carlson, an interior designer who consults on the project, urged the commission to consider the limits of private small-business resources. "Carlos' small business can't incur that cost of almost $23,000 to pay for parking," she said, referring to the $2,500 per-space fee the city charges when required parking is not provided on site.

Brent Bigger, speaking for the Becker County Agricultural Society, said the fair board has discussed providing off-site stalls by lease as a second option and that the group would work with the applicant if needed. "We are open to the idea of allowing her to use our space for parking," he said.

Commissioners discussed whether to waive the fee or require leased off-site spaces and how long a lease should run. Commissioner (speaker 1) moved to approve the nonconforming-use expansion and the parking variance on the condition that a 10‑year lease be obtained for the off-site spaces, seconded by Commissioner (speaker 2). The motion passed by voice vote.

The commission’s recommendation will be considered by the Community Development Committee and then by the Detroit Lakes City Council; staff said both bodies will meet Monday, Nov. 10, with CDC at 11:30 a.m. and council at 5 p.m. for final action.