10-10-2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 5,2005 Orono City Council/Orono Planning Staff City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323 RE: Application # 05-3121 Narrows Saloon Expansion/Conditional Use Permit Amendment Dear Council Members and Staff; I am writing this letter on behalf of Neighbors For a Better Navarre, an organization of concerned residents that reside North, South and West of Applicant within a close proximity of Applicant. I am also writing this letter as a resident of Navarre/Orono at 2509 Kelly Avenue for over 20 years, long before current applicant obtained its original CUP that it wishes currently to signiflcantly expand. We believe the current proposal for expansion of the Narrow should be denied for the following reasons: 1) The expansion of the conditional nse will place it in the category of a use as a **developnient of a regional nature** which places it in conflict with CMP Part 3B. It will also make it an inappropriate use within the B-1 Zone which is a aone designed for hnsincsses that serve the local community and are necessary for the residents of the community. The expansion of the facility from 2174 square feet to 5211 square feet is an increase of 240%. Applicant already advertises that it provides “national draw attractions” on its web site. There is no question that despite the applicants statements to the city that it desires the expansion to change the facility into more of a family restaurant, the new plan speaks louder than applicant’s words as the central room will be enlargtxl and it appears that the stage/dance floor becomes greater, making room for more national acts, perhaps more frequently, than the economics currently allow the applicant to present, with the current limited, neighborhood size and seating capacity that its present CUP pemiits. The city should not allow the current comprehensive plan and zoning code to be violated by permitting this use to be expanded to a regional draw against both the letter and the spirit of the comprehensive plan and the zoning code. 2) The expansion of (he conditional use will adversely affect neighboring residential property. This is prohibited by Section 6 of the CMP which state **tbat the locatioa, scale and types of commercial and industrial development will be controlled so as not to ...adversely impact the primarily residential land use In Orono.**