Council approves tavern, but with restrictions

Wednesday, July 2, 2003 | 9:13 a.m.

The Henderson City Council decided Tuesday to allow a third bar and restaurant to open on Horizon Ridge Parkway, against the recommendation of its Planning Commission, but it placed three restrictions on the operation.

The proposed tavern is the first approved under a new ordinance requiring a $60,000 business license fee.

The Henderson Planning Commission denied the request by the Business Properties Group on May 29 because it was not considered compatible with the neighborhood and there are two other similar businesses, a Buffalo Wild Wings and a Timbers supper club.

The site for the tavern was zoned residential until the City Council changed it to commercial in April.

Two residents appeared before the City Council Tuesday night to protest the 24-hour operation of a bar near their neighborhood.

Fred Colandra said a tavern is not compatible with the neighborhood.

Jolynn Barnum, a nearby resident and day-care operator, said she had counted 10 taverns within a 5-mile radius of her home.

"When I hear 24-hour bar, I have a problem with that," Barnum said. She told the council that two drunken drivers have driven into her driveway.

Council members approved the tavern with conditions including a minimum of a 150-seat restaurant, that the bar will operate when the restaurant is open and city staff will review any change in operator or owner.

"This will be the first test of our ordinance," Councilman Jack Clark said.

Mayor Jim Gibson abstained from the vote, saying he was related to one of the owners.