WASHINGTON CITY — A handful of residents attended the latest City Council meeting to voice their concerns over a proposed zoning change.
A proposed “Bar Establishment Overlay Zone” could potentially provide multiple businesses the right to sell alcohol on 40 acres of land near the corner of Washington Parkway and Grapevine Crossing Road, contingent on state licensing and Washington City Council approval.
According to the council’s information packet, the Washington City Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended approval (3-1) on July 3 to allow a designation overlay zone for a bar establishment for 40 acres located at approximately 1720 East Grapevine Crossing Road.
The item on Wednesday night’s City Council agenda drew residents from the Sienna Hills subdivision who each said they disliked the idea of multiple bars near their homes in the public comment portion of the work meeting.
David Clement told the council his house would be nearest to the bar overlay zone while drawing messages from the city’s general plan regarding proper planning.
“The document states that you will not place undue financial burdens on the city or particular neighborhood,” Clement said. “I find that increased unlawful activities and accidents that are unfortunately associated with bars would place huge financial burdens on our neighborhoods and certainly would place financial burdens on our law enforcement.”
The proposed bar overlay zone was “too vague” and “gave too much power to the applicant,” said Emily Phillips.
Kristin Wenzel told the council the rights of those who drink alcohol would not be infringed upon if the motion were killed.
“But a yes vote infringes on the rights of citizens’ wishes for peace and safety in their community,” she said.
Councilman Troy Belliston recused himself from the discussion until a full council could be present. As the applicant for the proposed zone change, he defended the proposal on social media before the meeting.
“Last fall, the City Council changed the ordinance regarding bar establishments, and when they did that, they created the bar overlay zone,” Belliston posted to the Washington City Matters Facebook Group. “What this requires is that a landholder first apply for the zone change before any bar or establishment requiring a bar license can then apply through an entirely separate process to the City Council and state DABC for a license.”
A vote on the proposed bar overlay zone was ultimately tabled until a meeting on Aug. 14 due to Councilman Craig Coats being on vacation.
New royalty, letting go
Once the regular meeting started, council members were introduced to the city’s 2024 Washington City Royalty awardees.
Miss Washington Myra Peterson, first attendant Brinley Macdonald, second Attendant Tessa Stewart and Miss Spirit Kynzlee Barton each gave short speeches before the council.
Mayor Kress Staheli also presented Jason Hansen with a service award following his departure from the Washington City Planning Commission after eight years.
Also of note, a conditional use permit was approved for a gas station and convenience store to return to the Walmart parking lot on Telegraph Street in the near future.
The upcoming Washington City Council on July 24 was canceled for the city’s Pioneer Day celebrations. The next scheduled meeting takes place Aug. 14, with a work meeting scheduled at 4 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6 p.m.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.