New Convenience Store

[Dan B]

As I said before, Im really ambivalent to the car wash. Im really just taking exception with the notion that we cant have an opinion on something. We are being accused of breaking out pitchforks and forming picket lines, when really all we are engaging in is some discussion about a proposal that the city will approve or disprove based on how the property is zoned, and how it will impact its immediate neighbors.

The one legit concern I have read in all of this is, lets say that the exception is granted, and the owner doesnt make it. Does that exception carry over? What other types of businesses might be able to move in, that could not without the exception?

I also agree with Cindi on the road issue. I always fear for my own life when I take my scooter down that road. It starts with a nasty pot hole on Main right at the cross walk, and then as soon as it hits the bricks, you are never quite sure if you will survive the trip to Laura. It quite hairy.

[sheclown]

The fact that this business has to have an exception at all, is absurd. 

[thelakelander]

The one legit concern I have read in all of this is, lets say that the exception is granted, and the owner doesnt make it. Does that exception carry over?

Apparently not.  The application states an exception was granted once in the 1990s.  It did not carry over or else they would not be trying to get one today.

What other types of businesses might be able to move in, that could not without the exception?

I believe the exception is for the car wash.  I think under the current CCG-S zoning, they could open up a convenience store right now.  I'll have to check the code to verify.

I also agree with Cindi on the road issue. I always fear for my own life when I take my scooter down that road. It starts with a nasty pot hole on Main right at the cross walk, and then as soon as it hits the bricks, you are never quite sure if you will survive the trip to Laura. It quite hairy.

Is there a plan to address the neighborhood's pot hole situation?

[thelakelander]

The fact that this business has to have an exception at all, is absurd. 

Maybe so, but that's the code.  Unfortunately, the facility is a car wash that has been there since 1955.  If a new car wash does not go in, it will be sitting empty long term like most of the lots and buildings along Main.

[thelakelander]

Dan, why don't you come up with another list of phony issues to be outraged about.

This isnt about the residents 'having an opinion'.

What opinions, exactly have been expressed here?

What has been criticized here has been the underlying assumption that people must seek and gain permission from a handful of people---, by edict of God apparently----or they 'shouldnt be allowed' to open their own shops.

Now I don't know how all of you guys posted over on the SPAR board, but you apparently arent used to people who don't buy into the notion that your approval is necessary for anything other than good will.

I have a feeling that with a little practice people might get over it.

Lets stay on topic.  Hopefully, I addressed Dan's questions in the post above.  I'm going to look into the code a little later and link the proper answers to the questions raised.

[JaxUnicorn]

Maybe I totally missed something, but the gentleman at the SPAR meeting last night said he wanted to put in a car wash that had a convenience store in it.  That led me to believe the convenience store is secondary.  However, when I read the application, the convenience store is listed first, THEN the car wash almost as though the car wash is secondary. 

I'm just a little confused and agree with the person at the meeting last night who said that a presentation of expected plans would go a very long way in making folks in the neighborhood more comfortable.  Just my two cents' worth....

[Dan B]

Dan, why don't you come up with another list of phony issues to be outraged about.

This isnt about the residents 'having an opinion'.

What opinions, exactly have been expressed here?

What has been criticized here has been the underlying assumption that people must seek and gain permission from a handful of people---, by edict of God apparently----or they 'shouldnt be allowed' to open their own shops.

Now I don't know how all of you guys posted over on the SPAR board, but you apparently arent used to people who don't buy into the notion that your approval is necessary for anything other than good will.

I have a feeling that with a little practice people might get over it.

Im not outraged at all. You have enough outrage for everyone on this board, and three others. You really ought to start typing in all Caps to better convey your tone.

Can you point out where anyone has claimed that permission has to go through them? I see several concerned neighbors talking amongst themselves, and wondering if this business might have a negative effect on their homes. Nobody is sending letter bombs, or calling the gentleman's coworkers demanding to know their stance on the properties zoning.

[thelakelander]

Maybe I totally missed something, but the gentleman at the SPAR meeting last night said he wanted to put in a car wash that had a convenience store in it.  That led me to believe the convenience store is secondary.  However, when I read the application, the convenience store is listed first, THEN the car wash almost as though the car wash is secondary. 

I'm just a little confused and agree with the person at the meeting last night who said that a presentation of expected plans would go a very long way in making folks in the neighborhood more comfortable.  Just my two cents' worth....

Good stuff.  That was a good suggestion to the owner.  The owner wants to open a car wash.  However, evidently the city won't allow him to open only a car wash.  Thus the convenience store gets added to the mix.

[Dan B]

Lake, why would the not allow just a carwash, and why does adding a store make it better?? Truth be told, the carwash by itself is far less of a potential problem than a car wash with a convenience store.

As an aside, does anyone know if the store will be full service, or will it just have some sodas and chips for people waiting for their car?

[thelakelander]

Don't know for sure, without diving into the code.  However, that's what I was told by COJ.

As an aside, does anyone know if the store will be full service, or will it just have some sodas and chips for people waiting for their car?

Good question.  I don't think anyone has bothered to ask.  For all we know it could be just what you described.

[JaxUnicorn]

Why don't we ask?  Nicely...    

[nvrenuf]

The pros are that it is a use for an abandoned building and will bring walking traffic to the neighborhood as well as give people a possibility of stopping without makin uturns.

How does a car wash help to bring walking traffic to the neighborhood? Honest question. Is the hope that they will go across to 3rd & Main or to 6th & Main? Or that some stores will open in the nearby area where they can shop? Otherwise I don't see how a specifically car-related business would bring walking traffic. I would suspect most people would just wait in the convenience store like at Car Spa. I rarely see people leave there to shop at Regency across the street.

[thelakelander]

What is this "potential problem"?

A poorly maintained convenience store where people loiter next to RMD-S zoning classifications.  However, this potential problem could be taken out by working with the owner early on and coming up with ideas that eliminate this from happening.  This is why dialogue is critical.

[thelakelander]

How does a car wash help to bring walking traffic to the neighborhood? Honest question.

People who use the facility will be exposed to the neighborhood and businesses in the area.  On a hot day, that person could become a customer at City Kidz, grab lunch at A-Z Sandwiches or Uptown Market.  If the store at the property is nice, it could be a place for nearby residents to walk to get milk, a snack or a newspaper.  I believe this is what he means by it enhancing walkability.  Right now none of this is happening with a vacant building.  Instead the vacant structure encourages crime.

I would suspect most people would just wait in the convenience store like at Car Spa. I rarely see people leave there to shop at Regency across the street.

That's because the ones that go to Regency most likely drive there before or after getting their car washed.  That's not a real walkable area.

[nvrenuf]

Potential problems of living near a convenience store for the most part come from the poor behavior of those who frequent it. Lots of trash, loitering & drinking from brown bags. And along with the loitering usually comes a drug dealer or two. A great deal of that could be addressed by the owner/proprietor. Premier Pharmacy pays someone to pick up the trash around their store. Other convenience store operators do not allow people to loiter and cooperate with JSO. Not much the owner can do about the people who litter for the three blocks immediately surrounding their path away from the store.