Boiler Room owner hopes
for addition of rooftop patio
By Heather Mangold
City
Editor
Boiler Room owner, Chris Watson, wants to put an
outdoor patio on the roof of his bar, but an amendment to one city zoning
issue raised by city officials could stop him.
The Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission had
a public hearing on Aug. 15 to discuss whether or not zoning laws should
include more parking for footage created by decks and patios. The commission
voted in favor of more parking, which led to the commission's recommendation
to amend the current zoning ordinance. The commission recommended that
six jurisdictions within Tippecanoe County adopt the amendment to their
policies - including the jurisdiction of West Lafayette.
Watson said he feels as though the city is targeting
this case because Boiler Room is a bar.
"The city of West Lafayette is trying to change
the zoning ordinance to include decks for bars," said Watson. "I understand
they don't like the bars, but we are a legal business."
Current zoning law parking requirements only pertain
to indoor facilities and do not require extra parking for outdoor additions.
Watson said he feels as though this amendment was addressed only to
prevent the expansion of his business.
Brad Windler, D-1st, is not one of the city officials
against the amendment, however. Windler said that he does not find parking
as a valid excuse for stopping Boiler Room's expansion.
"Parking doesn't take into account pedestrian traffic,
doesn't include bus riders or the safety bus program started by student
government on weekends," said
Windler.
He added that the Grant Street Parking Garage is
open to the public after hours, when Boiler Room is the busiest.
Watson agreed and said his number one contention
with the issue is that there is available parking for Boiler Room customers.
"The city doesn't even acknowledge the nearby parking."
The current zoning ordinance states that one parking
space should be available per 100 square feet of gross floor area and
does not include decks or patios. If Watson were to add more square
footage to his facility, city officials are suggesting that he should
provide more parking.
Windler said that he likes having students go to
the bars rather than attending house parties.
"House parties have potential for minor consumption,
potential drug use and fights," said Windler. "Bars are regulated. You
have to be 21 to get in. There's a staff that deals with problems."
Windler added that when Harry's tried to expand
last year, they were stopped for virtually the same reason - parking.
Windler said when the council meets on Wednesday
the public should expect some variety in the council's opinions.
"I think the council itself will be divided," said
Windler. "I definitely feel that there are people that are not friendly
to bar expansions."
The West Lafayette city council will meet on Wednesday
to discuss the issue.
Bernie Gulker, assistant director for the staff
of the Are Plan Commission, said that the commission did not recommend
the amendment to target Boiler Room specifically, but rather to target
the wellbeing of all eating and drinking establishments.
"Our thought was whether or not there is a roof
over an eating or drinking establishment that the gross floor area is
going to be occupied by people and increased with outdoor space," said
Gulker. "That gross floor area needs to be included in how much parking
should be available.
Watson said that he does not expect special treatment.
"I'm not asking for an exception. They're trying
to change the rules and prevent me from getting a deck," said Watson.
Gulker added that a safety issue presents itself
when an establishment wants to add more space above ground.
City Engineer C. Scott Snyder said that when T.A.
Tom's was in business and had an outdoor above ground establishment,
they were required to include barriers or fencing for the public's safety.
"This would normally be addressed within an eating
or drinking establishment," said Snyder.
Watson said he would not build a facility that
was unsafe.
"It's in my interest to keep it safe. I'm going
to build it safe," said Watson.
|
