Politics & Government
In Brief: Proposed Cigar Bar Vote Delayed Again; Lincoln Repaving OK'd
Churchill's backers ask for more time to work out issues while city commissioners approve spending $3.4 million for work on West Lincoln Avenue this summer.
The investors who want to build an upscale restaurant and cigar bar in downtown Birmingham have asked for a few more weeks to get their ducks in a row while they address ventilation issues.
At the Monday meeting of the Birmingham City Commission, the board voted to postpone a discussion on Churchill's bistro, which is proposed for 116-118 S. Old Woodward Ave., at the behest of the company. The topic is to be discussed again at the May 9 meeting of the commission.
This is the second time the commission has delayed a vote on the bistro and cigar bar. , but were concerned smoke from the restarant would pollute surrounding businesses. Cigar bars are one of the few exemptions from the 2010 Michigan Smoke Free Law.
City Manager Bob Bruner said a letter from the lawyers representing the bar requested extra time to work out issues with the building's outdoor air exchange. The extension was granted without discussion.
Lincoln Avenue repaving project under way
The city commission also approved a contract for Pamar Enterprises of New Haven, MI, to repave West Lincoln for $3.4 million. The project would be one of the most significant in years, replacing 80-year-old concrete and affecting design modifications that would improve the road to make it more pedestrian-friendly, especially in front of , and include storm sewer improvements already approved by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Residents in the area, particularly those living near the street's intersection with Arlington, were concerned about proposed changes to the intersection. They argued that changing an intersection with no history of accidents was counterproductive. The city's engineering department said the changes will bring the city into compliance with best practices and therefore limit the city's liability.
If planners get their wishes, construction on the project will start June 20 and run through the first week of October. The job is to be completed with $750,000 in sewer funds, $347,000 from the city's water fund and $1.9 million from the major streets fund.
