2519-25 W. Devon Ave.

Status
Ordinance introduced March 18, 2009.
Zoning Committee hearing expected Thursday, July 16, 2009.

Description
Application to classify as a B3-2 Community Shopping District instead of B1-2 Neighborhood Shopping District the area shown on Map Number 15-I bounded by: North Maplewood Avenue, West Devon Avenue, a line 82.74 feet East of and parallel to North Maplewood Avenue, and the alley next South and parallel to West Devon Avenue.

The owners of the North Shore Banquet Hall are seeking to increase their business opportunities by obtaining a Public Place of Amusement (PPA) license. The PPA license would allow them to accommodate a wider range of entertainment events advertised and open to the public. The existing banquet hall use and the proposed public amusement use both fall within the same zoning category, so this change in licensing would not normally require a change in zoning. However, in this case, the existing use is not in compliance with zoning. The current B1 zoning does not permit a banquet hall. This non-compliance must be remedied before applying for the PPA license.

Allowing a change in zoning will not automatically clear the way for the PPA license. The owners must still go through a separate license review and approval process. Among the obstacles they face are restrictions on issuing PPA licenses within 200 feet of a church or 125 feet of a residential district. Members of Northside Mosque directly south of the banquet hall are reportedly opposed to the change.

Related Documents
Written Notice
Proposed ordinance
Zoning application
Link to Google Maps