Council member’s controversial inquiry into east side bars ends after answers from BSEED

October 23, 2026

Detroit City Council member Renata Miller has withdrawn her controversial investigation into the zoning compliance of several popular bars and restaurants near Kercheval Avenue after the city's building department confirmed all businesses were operating legally. Miller's initial inquiry, which she claimed was prompted by resident concerns about noise and proximity to schools, sparked significant community backlash from residents who viewed it as an unfair attack on small businesses near her own home. The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department determined that establishments including Two Birds, Barkside, and Bar IX are properly licensed and zoned, with any minor issues already being addressed.

Who is affected

Several bars and restaurants: Two Birds, Barkside, Bar IX, Grandma Bob's, and Our House Café
Council member Renata Miller (District 5)
Residents of West Village, Islandview, and Charlevoix Village neighborhoods
Bar IX founder Alissa Graff
Islandview resident Amy Hemmeter
Villages CDC and its executive director Mac Farr
City Planning Commission Director Marcell Todd
BSEED Deputy Director Raymond Scott
Residents supporting and opposing the businesses (including Peter Croce and Zahra Taha-Marks)
Children and families living near the establishments

What action is being taken

BSEED is working with businesses that had expired Certificates of Compliance to complete necessary steps to comply with correction orders
Miller's office is connecting with business owners named in the memos
Bar IX is establishing a brick-and-mortar location in the neighborhood

Why it matters

This situation highlights tensions between neighborhood development and quality-of-life concerns in Detroit. The controversy reveals concerns about potential abuse of political power when elected officials target businesses near their homes, the challenges of Detroit's zoning and compliance processes for small businesses, and divisions within communities over growth and development. The strong resident response demonstrates the importance of small businesses as community gathering spaces and reflects broader debates about walkability, economic development, and how to address legitimate neighborhood concerns like traffic and parking without harming local businesses. The incident also exposes questions about transparency and accountability within city departments like BSEED.

What's next

Miller intends to meet with the business owners named in the memos, as well as all other businesses in the district, to ensure they have information and resources needed to be compliant
Villages CDC plans to work with Miller's office on impact mitigation from business developments, including traffic calming, parking enforcement, and traffic patrols
Miller stated she will continue to ask questions, review concerns, and ensure city rules and regulations are being followed as part of her ongoing responsibilities

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com