25-1716 : A.Cinotti, Special Use - 238 Carlton for Neighborhood Shop (Restaurant/Retail) & Outdoor Dining N-2R Zone (Ell)(11/5/25)

This item concerns a Special Use Permit application for 238 Carlton Street to establish a neighborhood shop (restaurant/retail) with outdoor dining in the N-2R zone. The applicant, the African Heritage Economic Initiative, plans to rehabilitate the vacant building into a grocery store and community space, aiming to provide healthy food options in an area considered a food desert. The proposal includes historic restoration of the former food market and renovation of the second floor into a cafe.

Key Issues:

• Outdoor Dining Denial: The Department of Permit and Inspection Services denied the outdoor dining component, citing City Code Section 6.2.2.X.1 which prohibits outdoor dining in the N-2R zone, and Section 6.1.1.F.5 requiring uses to be wholly within an enclosed building. The applicant is seeking a Use Variance for outdoor dining from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
• Council Approval Contingent: The Common Council's approval of the Special Use Permit is conditional on the ZBA approving the Use Variance for outdoor dining.
• Project Status: The application has been repeatedly tabled by the Legislation Committee, with the most recent action indicating it was tabled on December 16, 2025, with the next meeting scheduled for January 13, 2026. The Planning Board recommended approval on November 3, 2025.

Public Benefit: The initiative aims to foster community engagement, support local economies by prioritizing local vendors, promote health and wellness by addressing food desert issues, create jobs, and enhance urban aesthetics.