Quick Hits: City Moves Toward Changing Bistro Review Process

It was a busy night at the Birmingham City Commission meeting, with commissioners discussing potential changes to the bistro review process as well as authorizing Parson Brinckerhoff and LSL Planning to conduct a Complete Streets study for East Maple Road.

Only have time for the quick hits? Here's a rundown of what happened during Monday's meeting:

Changes on the way for bistro reviews

Commissioners voted to amend the city's bistro ordinance, allowing the City Commision to establish deadline and review guidelines for those looking to apply for one of the two bistro licenses the city issues each year.

Jana Ecker presented a tentative plan from the Planning Board, which involved all potential bistro applicants coming before the Planning Board at one time. The board would then pick, at most, two bistro applicants to reccomend to the City Commission.

Currently, bistro applicants operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants now go before the City Commission only after their plans earn approval of the Planning Board — plans that must include, per the 2007 bistro ordinance, seasonal sidewalk seating, a full-service kitchen and no more than 65 seats.

, both panels were in agreement that the . Applicants are in a race to turn in their applications first, they said, so as to have the best chance to snag one of the two licenses. The city has yet to turn down an application for a bistro license.

Commissioners were concerned about the idea of having the Planning Board rank or potentially eliminate applicants — noting that is a job for the city's elected officials. Many also voiced concern about the cost to applicants during a more competitive review process.

Eventually, commissioners agreed that a three-step process was more in line with everyone's goals. The proposed procedure would involve a preapplication review heard by the City Commission; a full review in front of the Planning Board; and a final review back in front of the commission. Commissioners will consider changing the review process at a later meeting.

Maple Road to get Complete Streets treatment

The City Commission also hired a firm to prepare a Complete Streets study for East Maple Road. The decision to hire Parsons Brinckerhoff and LSL Planning, both planning and consulting firms, is part of a long-term plan to reconstruct East Maple Road between Adams and Eton, a busy four-lane corridor in a residential neighborhood.

Commissioners made it clear that even though the city formally supports Complete Streets — a federal initiative to consider pedestrian and nonmotorized traffic in city planning — any attempt to narrow the road and build bike lanes will only increase traffic problems.

In fact, , Commissioner Rackeline Hoff said this stretch of road may not be the best for Complete Streets planning. Representatives from both firms assured the commission they aren't focusing on one element — such as bike lanes — but will be considering the needs of the neighborhood and potential growth in the nearby Triangle District.

Also approved Monday night:

• Commissioners approved amendments to the city liquor license review ordinance. During liquor license renewal hearings, held once a year, commissioners may now consider "nuisance complaints" filed by the , health and safety concerns of the restaurant at hand as well as indications that management consistently fails to control staff and patrons.
• Art Birmingham, one of the city's two annual art shows, will be held May 26-27 in . Annie VanGelderen, interim director of the , said it has adjusted the layout of the art festival, will isolate sponsors and has moved the event to Memorial Day weekend.