A restaurant that’s a symbol of ’50s hot-rod culture in St. Paul will need to cater to bicyclists, too, if it wants to do business in Northeast Minneapolis. A City Council committee approved zoning and permit appeals for Porky’s today — with a long list of conditions that includes providing at least four bike racks.

Some neighbors raised complaints the proposed drive-thru at 1851 Central Ave. wasn’t pedestrian-friendly and would increase crime, traffic and litter in the area. The city’s Planning Commission unanimously rejected Porky’s zoning, site plan and conditional use permit requests at its Oct. 30 meeting, but the restaurant appealed to the City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee. The council members gave the go-ahead to Porky’s, with plenty of small print.

Among the other provisions: The restaurant cannot promote cruising or classic car events at the site. Signs will be posted telling customers to turn off cars and turn down stereos while on premises. Parking will be limited to one hour. The drive-thru speakers won’t be audible from the eastern property line, and a masonry wall will buffer noise those nearby houses. The restaurant must have indoor seating for at least 30 patrons, and it will close by 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends. The permit can be revoked if not in compliance by Dec. 1, 2007. Dan Haugen

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Filed under: Central Avenue, City Hall, Development, Windom Park