The City of Waterloo Board of Adjustment convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss a variance request concerning the sale of liquor at 926 Lynn Street, a site historically used for commercial purposes. The applicant sought to change existing conditions that currently limit alcohol sales to beer and wine only, aiming to obtain a Class E liquor license.

The board reviewed the history of the site, noting that a temporary variance was granted in June 2016 to Speedy Mart, allowing the reestablishment of a nonconforming use with specific conditions. These included limited hours of operation from 7 AM to 11 PM and restrictions on alcohol sales. In May 2017, the board approved a request to permanently reestablish the nonconforming use as a grocery and convenience store, maintaining the same hours and alcohol sales limitations.

During the current meeting, concerns were raised regarding the potential negative impact of lifting the beer and wine restriction. Board members expressed that allowing liquor sales could lead to increased vehicle traffic and congestion in the residential area, altering the low-density character of the neighborhood.

The board emphasized the importance of maintaining the residential integrity of the R-2 Family Residence District and noted that the request could adversely affect the surrounding community. The discussion highlighted the need for careful consideration of how changes in commercial use could influence local traffic and neighborhood dynamics.

No decisions were made during this meeting, and the board will continue to evaluate the implications of the variance request in future sessions. Further review of previous meeting minutes was recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing discussions related to this site.