08-14-2014 Planning Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 14, 2014 directions to their cars, the noise from cars starting up and from car radios. Duray pointed out that this noise carries for long distances at 2 to 2:30 a.m. Duray stated that his basic concern is the disturbance to residents in the area and the impact on their quality of life. With regard to parking, Duray stated that he did not believe the parking would work. He noted the Hookah Hideout as an example and that that business has 15 to 20 cars in the parking lot on a Friday and Saturday night. Duray asked how parking would be reserved for Hookah Hideout customers. Duray felt that the City Planner had underestimated the parking need for Voodoo Live. Duray indicated that his business has a capacity of 375 people and he has 250 parking spaces which are all used when the building is full. Houwman commented on the issue of noise for the abutting residential area noting that the City's Comp Plan talks about eliminating the residential use immediately south, therefore, felt those homes should be discounted. He then noted that residents in the area are dealing with the noise from approximately ten trains per day, and acknowledged the City's efforts to deal with train noise. Houwman pointed out, however, that the trains generate noise from their whistles as well as lumbering through the area and this is just a part of this area of the City. I-Iouwman indicated that the security people for Voodoo Live will not allow people to stay outside the facility. He also indicated that the parking issue can be resolved with off-site parking. Houwman felt the key question was what is objectionable about this project. With regard to noise, he noted that they have acoustical engineers on board to deal with that problem and the owner will put in over $100,000 in improvements to address noise. Houwman indicated that architecturally the project fits into the area well. Houwman requested that they be able to continue working with the City on this project and felt it would be successful for both the owner and City. Duray again commented on the parking situation indicating his feeling that there will be a shortage of parking and much of the parking will need to be contracted for. With regard to noise, Duray pointed out that the City is spending a lot of money to have a quiet zone declared, and it does not seem to be good planning to then add a music venue to the area that will cause a lot of noise for the neighborhood. Roger Stanke, Little Canada resident, stated that he agreed with Duray's comments. He asked why this location is being considered when there are other music venue locations that are now sitting vacant. Stanke pointed out the impact that the noise will have on the elderly people in the area as well as the impact on the City's new Veterans Memorial. Stanke felt that this business was not a good fit for the area. - 13 -