Council grants curb‑cut appeal at Snelling Avenue site after safety and traffic discussion

The council heard an appeal of a Board of Zoning Appeals decision denying a variance for a curb cut at 649 Snelling Avenue N. Department staff described the site and the BZA ruling, noting staff had recommended approval because removal of the Blair curb cut would leave a single access point and create maneuvering problems for delivery trucks.

Eric Stauter, construction and facilities director for Domino's Pizza, told the council the curb cut helps control site traffic, keeps staff movements separate from customers and reduces travel through nearby residential streets; he said the company would modify the curb cut to channel egress toward Snelling and add signage. Nearby residents voiced safety concerns, arguing the curb cut would primarily serve delivery drivers and that design standards at other sites function without an exception. After hearing appraisals from both appellant and neighbors and discussion about traffic flow and safety, Councilmember Coleman moved to grant the appeal; the motion passed unanimously, reversing the BZA denial and allowing the modified curb cut to remain under conditions discussed on the record.