2003-35 GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - 239-247 WEST PRAIRIE AVENUE

Home Browse Search

A Historic Neighborhood Use is allowed for properties within a historic district when the historical and architectural character of the building is preserved as well as the historic and architectural character of the surrounding neighborhood. Catholic Charities does not plan to change the exterior character of the building. Staff is uncertain that the retail use can preserve the historic and architectural character of the surrounding neighborhood. Based on the above analysis, staff recommends denial of the petition for a historicneighborhood conditional use permit. However, if the Commission should so choose to recommend approval of the historic neighborhood use, staff recommends the following conditions: The hours of operation should be limited to 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. There shall be no exterior drop off location or any outdoor storage area. A site plan including a landscaping plan and a lighting plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Economic and Urban Development Department and the Engineering and Infrastructure Department. Mrs. Glidewell asked about parking. Ms. Miller stated that there are 36 spaces provided. Mrs. Glidewell asked if the Historic Neighborhood zoning would provide more protection so that the property isn't sold as an office and then revert back to a liquor store. Mrs. Miller stated that was correct. Mrs. Glidewell asked about having two (2) food pantries in one block. Mrs. Marie Rademacher, Catholic Charities, stated that the Salvation Army's food pantry is open in the morning and Catholic Charities' food pantry is open in the afternoon. Basically the same items are given away and attempts are made to cross check the programs for abuse of the system. Mr. Booth asked if Catholic Charities was agreeable to the conditions as noted by staff. Mrs. Rademacher asked about not being open on Saturday as a real need to be open has become apparent over the last several years. Ms. Miller stated that staff would prefer the operation not be open on Saturday. Mrs. Rademacher stated that the items sold on Saturday allow Catholic Charities to make revenue and if taken away the budget would be affected. Items are donated for resale by Catholic Charities. Mrs.Rademacher asked the suggested hours for Saturday. Ms. Miller stated the retail operation could be open until noon at the latest. Mrs.Rademacher stated that she would like to check with the retail supervisor to determine the impact of tHs. Mrs. Glidewell stated that Catholic Charities would be in close proximity to the liquor store until it closes June 30 and asked what would be done about loitering. Mrs. Rademacher stated that this has been battled for years but the loitering has reduced. She stated that if there is a problem the police are called and they resolve the situation immediately. Food pantry clients come and go. Catholic Charities wants to keep the area safe. Mr. Booth asked if the decision would be delayed if Mrs.Rademacher needed to check with her supervisor. Ms. Miller stated not necessarily and that HASC can make any recommendation it deems appropriate and staff can work with Catholic Charities.