The Danville Area Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday (April 6, 2017) is expected to act on a petition seeking to allow a new bar or tavern in South Danville. Rush Brothers Inc., which currently does business as The Pub in downtown Danville, is seeking to open a new bar in an existing building at 17 Parker Street. Even if the commission approves the request it would still have to be approved by the Danville City Council.
Also during their meeting commissioners are being asked to approve the rezoning of a portion of land at 914 North Vermilion Street to B-3 General Business. The petition seeks the zoning classification for all the land at that address that is in the estate of John T. Gulick. There is nothing in the petition indicating future plans for the site. It is the same location where an earlier proposal was withdrawn. It called for moving Stroud Liquors from South Gilbert to the former Gulick building, then opening a new restaurant at the South Gilbert location.
Danville Corporation Counsel David Wesner denies that an attempt to change set-back requirements for liquor stores rejected by the City Council this week had anything to do with the Gulick proposal.
The change would have prohibited liquor stores from locating within 1,000 feet from the property line of a church or school. Instead it will remain at no closer than 100 feet.
During Tuesday night’s meeting Alderman Lloyd Randle voiced concerns about the proposed change.
‘’My continued concern is that by expanding to 1,000 feet we’re giving a business owner the idea that we’re going to do whatever it takes to keep them from moving their location. And I think that we’re kind of skirting the law when the state law says it should only be 100 feet. Every community abides by the state law – which is 100 feet,’’ said Randle.
But Wesner says not all communities have a 100 foot setback requirement.
‘’Especially when it comes to home rule communities who understand the idea of what they’re trying to do aren’t limited by what the state statue says,’’ Wesner told the City Council. ‘’They’re capable of also altering what they think would be the best for their own community.’’ And Wesner added, ‘’Looking at the maps and distances we try to determine what seemed be the best fit with regard to the nature of these businesses and the potential impact they would have on surrounding neighborhoods.’’
The City Council this week approved some changes in liquor ordinances but kept the restrictions regarding liquor store setbacks unchanged at 100 feet.
Again, there is nothing in the petition before the zoning commission indicating what is being considered now for the Gulick property.
The Commission meets at 5:15 p.m. Thursday at the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building at 17 West Main Street.
[Story posted April 5, 2017.]
