New Bar Gains City Council Approval Amid Noise Concerns

Limited hours and no live music were among the restrictions placed on a new bar's patio by Maplewood City Council on Tuesday night.

TILT, a , gained preliminary approval from the council after five residents objected to the bar's placement in what one of them considers a residential area. The bar is set to open at 7401-05 Hazel Avenue, in the location that formerly housed CooperElla.

“I’ve lived on Hazel for 15 years and we’ve had things come and go on the corner, but it is a residential street and I’m very concerned about noise, parking and, since the people can’t smoke inside, that means they have to come outside," said resident Patricia Trout during a public hearing.

“I do understand the concerns and I want you to know they would be addressed," said Michael Stivers, the bar's owner. "I’ve lived in situations like that myself and found myself waking up to loud noises."

The council reached a compromise between the two sides:

• No live music may be played on the patio.
• The patio will be covered with an awning and a bamboo wall will be constructed around the patio.
• The patio will close at 10 p.m. during the week and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
• No trash may be disposed after 10 p.m.

Many of the suggestions came from Stivers, who said he recognized the bar's close proximity to residential areas.

“The outside is for a place to hang out. It’s not going to be a place where there’s a wild party. I won’t tolerate it,” he said.

Matt Williams, who owns rental property next door, said he was comfortable with the council's decision.

"We have to do everything we can to bring new businesses into Maplewood. But we also have to maintain the rights of residents who already live here. I think they struck a good compromise," Williams said.

Colby Sutter lives in one of those rental properties. She was cautiously optimistic following the meeting.

"If it's going to happen, this is a good way for it to be run," Sutter said. "I think the compromise is good. I just hope he follows through with it."

The council is scheduled to offer a final vote during its June 14 meeting.