Tuscaloosa City Council Meeting – April 21, 2026

The Tuscaloosa City Council convened on April 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting opened with a prayer and pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of minutes, proclamations, and announcements. Key actions included the denial of an alcohol license application for Pix Market, adoption of zoning amendments for residential and commercial projects, and orders to demolish several condemned structures. Public comments were heard on the alcohol license application and an invitation to a union anniversary.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of previous meeting.
• Adopted items A through D on the consent agenda unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cooper Shattuck (1514 Deering Place), speaking on behalf of the Original City Association (OCA), opposed the off-premises retail beer and wine license for Pix Market. He cited concerns about traffic, limited parking, delivery logistics, trash management, noise, and the business's late hours (Thursday–Saturday until 12 a.m.). He noted that the applicant's proposed restrictions were not part of the application and could not be enforced. He urged the council to consider the negative impact on the historic neighborhoods.
• Jim Knox (1832 Carriage Heights), President of Local 351, cordially invited the council to the union's 79th anniversary celebration on May 1, 2026, from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at an unspecified location.

Discussion Items

• Off-Premises Retail Beer and Table Wine License – Pix Market (Spix Market, LLC) – Located at 914 Queen City Avenue. The applicant, Adva Kawi Sali, described the store as a neighborhood market focusing on wine, craft beer, and specialty items (e.g., casseroles). Proposed hours: Sunday 12 p.m.–10 p.m., Monday–Wednesday 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Thursday–Saturday 8 a.m.–12 a.m. Tuscaloosa Police Department (Director Blankley) expressed public safety concerns about late hours, limited parking, loading/unloading of delivery trucks, and potential for attracting college students and young adults to a quiet residential area. Councilor Tiner and others voiced opposition, citing traffic congestion, parking issues, and nuisance potential. Councilor Busby was praised for facilitating meetings between the applicant and neighborhood representatives. The application was denied.
• Zoning Amendment #33 (2803 and 2805 Herman Avenue) – Rezone 0.5 acres from SFR-3 to SFR-4 to allow reconstruction of two houses demolished in 2020. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Applicant Jaquil Robinson (Beautiful Homes LLC) was thanked for investing in District 1. The amendment was adopted unanimously.
• Zoning Amendment #34 (4730 Harkey Lane) – Rezone 0.4 acres from SFR-1 to GC (General Commercial) and annex a portion of the property into the city to build a veterinary clinic (expansion of Tuscaloosa Animal Medical Center). The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. The amendment was adopted unanimously.
• Demolition Orders – Four properties were ordered demolished: 2714 31st Avenue (45 housing code violations), 2806 Short 18th Street (48 violations), and 2808 Short 18th Street (48 violations). Owners were notified but not present. All demolition orders were approved unanimously. A separate public hearing set the cost of demolition for 3601 21st Street and authorized a lien.

Key Outcomes

• Pix Market alcohol license denied – Vote: 0-7 (unanimous against). The application failed.
• Zoning Amendment #33 adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Zoning Amendment #34 adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Demolition orders and cost setting approved unanimously (7-0 for each action).
• Consent agenda adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Various resolutions and ordinances adopted unanimously, including professional services contracts, minor public works contracts, equipment purchases, annexation of 0.7 acres near Grand View Drive, and amendments to the Code of Tuscaloosa.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM.