A super-majority will now be needed from the Danville City Council on October 15th to approve a proposed tavern at 3234 North Vermilion in the old Midwest Gymnastics building. By a 3-2 vote Thursday evening (Oct 3rd), the Planning and Zoning Commission sided with around a dozen citizens in attendance who did not want the proposed tavern and video gaming facility next to the neighborhood west of North Vermilion and along Shady Lane.
Attorney Andrew Mudd, speaking for the building’s new owners asking for the zoning change, talked about previous situations where the owners were flexible to nearby needs, such as the Blue Store liquor establishment they own at 801 North Vermilion near Danville High School. But when the vote came, commission members Michael Hall, Tammy Wilson, and Chairman Pete Goodwin all voted NO; while the other two members in attendance, Ashton Greer and Adam Brown, voted YES. Troy Savalick and Aaron Troglia were not present.
The proposed tavern site at 3234 N Vermilion, attorney Andrew Mudd speaks for the owners, Bill Donahue speaks against the project, Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk listens in.
Chairman Goodwin took the time to explain his vote; saying that the precedent of the Supreme Court’s LaSalle decision, which the city usually follows, may indeed say that this zoning change is legitimate. But then Goodwin said in looking at the overall picture, the proposed project just doesn’t fit.
AUDIO: Well, just the fact that where it is located, and for a special use permit in that spot, it just doesn’t fit. It, unfortunately, does not fit.
Danville Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk explained the LaSalle decision connection further.
AUDIO: It talks about transportation. It talks about pedestrian safety. It talks about home values. Does a business belong in this neighborhood versus that neighborhood. It was set, I believe, the mid-1900s by the Supreme Court; and that’s exactly what the City of Danville uses to decipher these zoning cases.
But despite that, after Thursday’s vote, now it’s on to the full City Council meeting on October 15th and whether or not the Council gives it the super-majority. Cronk mentioned that also at the October 15th meeting, the city will bring to the Council a proposed consultant to work with the city on a new 20-year comprehensive plan.
AUDIO: It covers everything. From roadway planning to future land use; corridor studies, parks. It’s basically the blueprint, or road map, for the City of Danville’s future.
Cronk says the old comprehensive plan for Danville is about to expire, and cities Danville’s size are required to have one.
