Hoffman’s Deli gets outdoor dining

The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals approved a temporary use permit for outdoor dining for Hoffman's Deco Deli and Cafe, 503 Garland St.

Owner Nicholas Hoffman said the outdoor dining will be during lunch and early dinner. Hoffman said the business, near an antiques store and laundromat, may lure more people outside downtown.

Member Christine Monk (6th Ward) said that permits were not pulled on the building and incomplete projects lead to numerous code violations.

Hoffman said that electricians, plumbers and other contractors have signed on to make repairs with the only issue being an escape route. He said that since the deli is mostly a storage unit, another route is unnecessary.

The board asked Zoning Administrator Sheree Pierce why a variance was requested instead of going to the Flint Planning  Commission for a zoning request. Pierce said rezoning takes two to three months.

Hoffman said that the patio is closed Sundays and will not have a public address system. It will have 10 tables, 40 seats and trash receptacles and the tables will be stacked and locked down at night. Hoffman said he will not serve alcohol.

The Planning Commission May 25 recommended the Flint City Council rezone the property from D-2 (neighborhood business) district to D-5 (metropolitan commercial-service) district.

The board will meet next at 6 p.m. June 15 in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St. Call 766-7355 for details.