Minutes: Plan Commission: July 2, 2007; Meridith Tavern Conditional Use Application for Economy Store Location

Meredith Tavern CUP (application 2007-17). Decker stepped back up to her position on the Commission. Julie Meredith indicated that her earlier plans for a tavern on South Union turned out not financial feasible; she is now applying for a similar no-smoking tavern in the renovated Eager Building. It is the same easy-listening, relaxing, evening-hours concept as before.
Schwecke noted that it is a mixed-use building with apartments on the second floor. There are already several bars in the downtown vicinity. If approved, the conditional use permit (CUP) would still require a modest site plan review. Any future expansion of the business would require a new CUP. The CUP cannot limit the hours of operation, and the business may change its hours in the future. And he recommended approval of the application.

The Commission noted that any noise concerns from live music could be controlled by the landlord through the lease. The Commission said that any secondary effects of a restaurant would be lesser than with a tavern, so any future food service would be acceptable in the CUP. It was noted that because the business partnership had changed; Meredith would need to reapply for a liquor license.

Decker opened the public hearing at 6:53. Public comments generally in favor of the application included:

The renovated Eager Building will be a great asset to the downtown.
Customers can find on-street or public parking like everyone else.
Live entertainment does not necessarily mean a loud band; the atmosphere would still be conducive to conversation in the bar.
There is a mezzanine level between the main floor and the upstairs apartments.
The landlord would have restrictions on noise to protect the privacy and peaceful enjoyment of the apartments and other tenants.
Public comments generally against the application included:

Parking in that block is already limited.
A neighboring bar did not want competition.
The city and state have money invested in the restoration of the Eager Building and need to make sure apartment residents are protected.
The Commission reviewed the public comments and noted that it had to consider the application as a tavern since hours of operation and intensity of live music could change in the future. In reviewing the staff report, the Commission noted it is consistent with the zoning code, and there are already several bars in the vicinity. The Commission was confident the landlord would limit noise and similar impacts on the apartments and other tenants. Meredith repeated that it would be a small establishment with a relaxing atmosphere.

Roberts made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to act on the application (not defer to a later date). On a roll call vote, motion approved unanimously. Roberts made a motion, seconded by Skinner, to approve the application based on the findings as contained in the staff report and the conclusion that the public benefits of the proposed use outweigh any and all potential adverse impacts, if any. Motion approved unanimously.