Part of Tuesday (Oct 1st) evening’s Danville City Council meeting turned into a preview of Thursdays (Oct 3rd) scheduled Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. An item on that agenda has the owner-operators of The Blue Store liquor stores in Danville and Westville looking to open a high-end tavern and video gaming facility, in the former Midwest Gymnastics and Cheer Gym at 3234 North Vermilion.
A recommendation by the commission for the rezoning to allow this would then require a simple major from the City Council. But a non-recommendation from the commission would then require a super-majority from the Council. Many Council members were indicating that they’re already hearing from constituents saying they do not want this. The common theme was that there are enough both taverns and video gaming facilities already. Vice-Mayor Tricia Teague said she even heard a from a resident that Danville cannot become the town that It’s a Wonderful Life’s Bedford Falls became when George Bailey was taken on his “what if” journey by the angel Clarence. She explained afterwards.
AUDIO: I think it means that the citizens of our city don’t want us to turn into Pottersville, and they have a very strong opinion about it.
Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr stated that it’s simply great to have residents of Danville approaching the City Council, and letting them know how they feel.
AUDIO: Absolutely you should always voice your concerns to your Council members. They are our representatives.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 5:15 PM Thursday.
(1st Picture) Proposed location for tavern – video gaming location on North Vermilion (photo by Jennifer Bailey). (2nd Picture) Northwest corner of North Vermilion and Devonshire after True Grit Fitness project stalled. (3rd Picture) Tear Down of Quaker plant has begun from the back side (photo by Jennifer Bailey).
Meanwhile, there was more discussion on the progress of having a Longview Bank come to the northwest corner of North Vermilion and Devonshire. This was the area where developer and land owner Paul Offutt was planning to open a True Grit Fitness. But the project stalled, with wooden posts sticking up in the air for months, when disagreements over state permits and requirements could not be resolved. Now, however, with the remnants of the failed True Grit project mostly removed, the plan for a Longview Bank is getting stronger. Mayor Williams says, yes, this has a chance.
AUDIO: I’m absolutely excited. Every indication is that we’ll be able to build a great bank for the community there. And I look forward to that.
Finally, although not really noticeable from East Voorhees yet, the tear down of the old Quaker Oats factory has begun from the back side. PepsiCo announced the closing of the Quaker plant last spring. And Mayor Williams says it’s great to have this happening now, rather than have an idle building sitting there forever.
AUDIO: I am very thankful that for once a corporation is doing the responsible thing, and taking care of the building themselves, versus the taxpayers of Danville. So, although it makes me sad, nostalgically, I am very thankful that they are taking care of it so that we don’t have to look at another eyesore for months, or years to come.
Mayor Williams was recently on a trip to Washington, D.C. with local dignitaries, including Vermilion Advantage CEO Mike Marron; with the goal of getting flood mitigation work done on both the Quaker property and the contingent former Heatcraft property; with the hope of bringing new industry to that location.
ORIGINAL NEWS-GAZETTE STORY BY JENNIFER BAILEY ABOUT TAVERN – VIDEO GAMING PROPOSAL ON NORTH VERMILION:
