Council returns Titu Grama Food to committee, approves Richard’s Grocery renewal with mitigation plan

The Common Council took action on multiple licensing items after testimony from business representatives and the city attorney’s office.

The license committee had recommended nonrenewal of a Class A fermented malt license and a 90‑day suspension of a food‑dealer license for Titu Grama Food, located at 418 E. Center St., citing police reports, neighborhood testimony and failure to comply with a plan of operation. Alderman Samaripa moved to return that file to committee to allow further consideration and neighborhood input; the motion to return was ordered after members voiced support for the local alder’s request given recent bereavement that limited participation at the licensing committee.

Council members then considered Richard’s Grocery (2438 W. Greenfield Ave.) following the licensee’s presentation of a revised six‑page mitigation plan. The owner and his representative told the council the plan included: stopping sales of single‑serve alcoholic beverages after selling through existing stock, adding cameras oriented toward the street, attending monthly neighborhood crime meetings, and other operational changes.

An alderman moved to renew Richard’s Grocery’s Class A fermented‑malt license as amended to incorporate the mitigation plan into the plan of operation. The council adopted the license‑committee recommendations (file 251756) by roll call (14 ayes, 1 excused). Supporters noted the owner’s willingness to work with neighbors and police; opponents had previously filed written objections that were included in the record at committee.

The council also moved other license‑related items and closed the Committee of the Whole after testimony. Members emphasized neighborhood safety and ongoing monitoring as conditions tied to license approvals.