City of Rock Island Planning Commission met June 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
Voting Members Present
Mike Creger
Reshanda Johnson
Ted Johnson
Maureen Riggs
Sarah Wright
Voting Members Absent
Bruce Harding
Paula Rummels
Norm Moline
David Parker
Staff Present
Tanner Osing
Guests
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Creger called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM and read the roll call.
Public Comment
There were no members of the public who wished to comment.
Approval of the Agenda
Riggs moved to approve the agenda for June 7, 2023. Wright seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a vote of 5 to 0.
Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes
Riggs moved to approve the minutes for April 5, 2023. Wright seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a vote of 5 to 0.
Old Business
None
New Business
2023-04 Public Hearing: Skylar Willingham of Skylight Luxury Lounge, LLC – a Special Use Permit to operate a wine bar located at 1325 30th Street in a B-1 (neighborhood business) district in the ground floor of the building.
Osing presented the staff report. He noted that the applicant Skylar Willingham is planning to continue the use of the existing wine bar but plans to limit the current menu of small plates at the same location which will make it so the business can no longer be considered a restaurant. Skylar Willingham originally approached staff in the Fall of 2022 when the business opened, and staff considered the menu to be substantial enough to be considered a restaurant. A Special Use Permit was not needed at that time. It is however needed now because the wine bar is not permitted in a B-1 (neighborhood business) district without a restaurant element. The applicant is also requesting a variance for the 100-foot separation requirement between a bar and residentially zoned property that will go before the Board of Zoning Appeals.
He noted that staff believes the proposal meets the seven conditions for approving a special use permit identified in the zoning ordinance and that staff recommend that the Planning Commission pass a recommendation to the City Council that the request be approved with stipulations because the proposed use will not have a negative effect on the character of the adjacent neighborhood.
Chair Creger clarified staff recommendation regarding the business serving food and if they would always have to a small menu available. Osing confirmed that food being available is a stipulation on the permit so it would be required as long as the business continues to operate.
T. Johnson asked about the zoning of neighboring businesses and if a rezoning would be appropriate. Mr. Osing responded that the neighboring properties are zoned B-1 and that the property to the east has a special use permit. He also noted that a rezoning would not be appropriate given the scale of business uses and the neighboring
R. Johnson asked if Radicle Effects had the same stipulations as far as having a small food menu available. Osing responded negatively.
Chair Creger called for the applicant. He questioned Skylar Willingham about the type of food that would be prepared. Skylar Willingham responded that she initially considered different menu options, but now desires to serve different charcuterie boards to pair with the wine.
Riggs questioned Osing about the food stipulation in the permit and how other requests were handled with neighboring businesses. Osing responded that Radicle Effects is a unique example as it was originally established with no kitchen or food production, and staff went back retroactively make sure they had proper zoning approval. He also noted that Skylight Luxury Lounge currently offers food. He cited the business Sallie’s as a nearby business that has a food production stipulation in their special use permit.
R. Johnson asked if it is Skylar Willingham’s preference to serve food. The applicant responded that she would like to do a minimum of serving charcuterie since she is not a licensed chef and there is not a lot of space for food production.
As there were no other questions or members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Creger closed the public hearing and called for a motion.
Recommendation for Case 2023-04
T. Johnson moved to recommend the approval of the Special Use Permit with stipulations for operating a wine bar at 1325 30th Street. Wright seconded the motion.
Chair Creger called for a vote. The motion carried unanimously on a vote of 5 to 0.
2023-05 Public Hearing: The City of Rock Island has submitted a rezoning request from B-3 (community business) district to PUD (planned unit development) district for four (4) parcels that include 1016 6th Avenue (PIN 0734451001), 602 11th Street (PIN 0734451002), 618 11th Street (PIN 0734451006), and 630 11th Street (PIN 0734451007).
Osing presented the staff report that covered a timeline of events and the discussion of the rezoning. He noted that the parcels are part the Solomon Site, which is a set of nineteen (19) City-owned parcels spread out across two blocks on the west side of 11th Street bounded by 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue (see attached map).
He noted that a few years ago, staff began working with Gorman & Company LLC out of Wisconsin to develop the site into affordable townhomes and apartments. In November 2019, the City Council approved an intent to sell letter for Gorman, which was recently renewed. Additionally, a PUD rezoning was unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council in 2020. The approved site plan is a multi-family residential development with a total of ten (10), two-story townhouses with 49 dwelling units, which fits the Comprehensive Plan’s designation of “Mixed Residential” land use. The Plan also identifies “Community Business” for the section of the Solomon Site between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue.
Osing added that the rezoning is only for site assembly purposes, which will allow the newly acquired parcels to be combined with the other parcels that are part of the Solomon Site. Any future changes to the site plan are subject to review by the Planning Commission and final approval by the City Council.
He noted that staff recommend the Planning Commission pass recommendation that the City Council approve the rezoning request because it conforms to the comprehensive plan and will support the project for new and affordable housing that will help revitalize the neighborhood.
Chair Creger asked if there were any questions from the Commissioners regarding the request.
Wright asked if the PUD includes any business. Osing responded that the approved site plan is only for a townhome development, but the developer is considering some small scale commercial activity. He added that any changes would need to go through a site planning process with the commission.
Wright asked if a PUD allows for commercial activity. Osing responded affirmatively that it will allow for some mixed use.
R. Johnson asked if there were any predicted plans for any commercial activity. Mr. Osing responded that nothing official has been put in place yet, but the developer was doing some siting analysis.
As there were no other questions or members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Creger closed the public hearing and called for a motion.
Recommendation for Case 2023-05
T. Johnson made a motion to recommend approval of the rezoning. Riggs seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a vote of 5 to 0.
Other Business
Chair Creger asked Osing where to direct questions regarding building concerns. Osing responded that the Inspections Division would be the appropriate contact.
Adjournment
Chair Creger asked for a motion to adjourn. T. Johnson made a motion to adjourn. Wright seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a vote of 5 to 0, and the meeting adjourned
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07052023-1194
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