Detroit City Council member Renata Miller has ended a controversial inquiry into the zoning and licensing compliance of several bars and restaurants located near Kercheval Avenue, following verification from the city’s Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) that the establishments meet city requirements or are actively addressing any outstanding issues. Miller’s Chief of Staff, Kai Paige, confirmed that the office is "not pursuing anything" further regarding the initial inquiry.
The inquiry, initiated last week by Miller, who took office in January to represent District 5, involved submitting two memos to BSEED and the council’s legal and legislative teams. These memos sought reviews of businesses such as Barkside and Two Birds, alongside other alcohol-serving establishments that have not yet opened. The goal was to determine their compliance with city zoning and licensing regulations.
Documents provided to Miller by BSEED confirm that the questioned establishments — including Two Birds, Barkside, Bar IX, Grandma Bob’s, and Our House Café — are compliant with their licenses and zoning. While some businesses had previously expired Certificates of Compliance from BSEED, the department’s documentation indicated that they had begun taking necessary steps to meet correction orders.
The BSEED findings arrive after more than a week of strong opposition from dozens of residents, primarily from the West Village, Islandview, and Charlevoix Village neighborhoods. Many residents perceived Miller’s inquiry as an attack on local small businesses. Council Member Miller has stated that her request was driven by complaints from residents in the area regarding noise levels and the proximity of businesses to places like schools.
Looking ahead, Kai Paige stated that Miller intends to meet with the business owners identified in the memos, as well as all other business owners in District 5, to ensure they have the necessary information and resources for compliance. Paige emphasized that the objective is to build relationships and improve services for these businesses. Alissa Graff, founder of Bar IX, confirmed connection with Miller’s office and expressed belief in the genuine intention to connect, looking forward to moving on with her girls-and-women sports-focused establishment. Graff noted the importance of being a good neighbor from the start of their journey.
Islandview resident Amy Hemmeter, who has been vocal on the issue, regarded the outcome as a success, but conveyed that she was “not super moved” by the conclusion being based on the businesses being in good standing. Hemmeter and other residents felt that Miller’s memos were targeted because their scope was not district-wide and appeared to be linked to businesses near the council member’s home in District 5. Hemmeter described the approach as “a little witch-hunty,” and highlighted the strong community turnout in support of local businesses. She also noted the “diversity” of voices that spoke out, including lifelong Detroiters, older residents, new residents, and young families.
Many residents voiced strong support for the establishments, describing them as well-loved, family-friendly, and contributors to neighborhood walkability and development. Organizations like Villages CDC and Two Birds acknowledged existing community issues but suggested that the council’s focus should be redirected towards addressing broader concerns such as traffic and parking enforcement. They, along with numerous community members, also expressed concerns that Miller might be overstepping her authority to try and close area bars. Two Birds ownership and staff, in an emailed statement, pointed out that their establishment has remained unchanged for six years, asserting that the only new factor was Council Member Miller holding a position of power, living blocks away, and being a vocal critic of local parking and development.
Mac Farr, executive director of The Villages of Detroit CDC, a proponent of zoning reform, stated that the current zoning system is challenging for both city administration and businesses to navigate. Farr suggested that Miller’s inquiry, focusing on the right of businesses to exist rather than managing the impacts of community growth, was revealing. During a city council meeting, Farr described Miller's request as “in essence, a request to review their right to exist.” He further expressed that he and the 200-plus residents in the Villages did not believe the inquiry was truly about zoning, implying a desire to end these businesses. Farr stated that Villages CDC looks forward to collaborating with Miller’s office on impact mitigation efforts, including traffic calming, parking enforcement, and traffic patrols. He concluded by expressing pleasure that Council Member Miller had decided to work with the Small Business Corridor rather than attempting to penalize them.
Council Member Miller has consistently denied any personal motivations behind her inquiry, affirming her support for small businesses and Detroit's economic growth. She also recently voiced frustration with BSEED, citing concerns about a lack of transparency and accountability from the department. During a Tuesday City Council meeting, BSEED Deputy Director Raymond Scott addressed some of Miller’s questions. Miller expressed skepticism that the information regarding the businesses' status had not been readily available earlier, including to City Planning Commission Director Marcell Todd, who mentioned having previously investigated complaints about at least one business in the east side district. Miller openly told Scott during the council session that she did not trust him or BSEED, arguing that the information was only provided because “there’s a big uproar” and questioning its validity. BSEED and Scott did not comment on Miller’s remarks, and Miller declined to elaborate on her mistrust of the department.
The debate over Miller’s requests continued at a Thursday meeting of the council’s Planning and Economic Development Committee, which marked another discussion in a series of contentious community and council meetings where residents argued against what they felt was unfair scrutiny of businesses. Miller, though not a member of the subcommittee, attended the Thursday session to further clarify and defend her requests. She emphasized that drafting memos is a routine legislative function and described her inquiry as “not a probe,” but rather a typical way for the body to communicate.
