SPRINGDALE — The Planning Commission on Tuesday denied a business owner’s request to provide entertainment at a bar on the verge of opening.
Owners of Beer Belly’s, 1507 W. Shady Grove, won the commission’s approval last month of a rezoning request, from C-2 to C-5, that would have permitted them to use an outdoor stage for musical acts. Horseshoe and washer pits also would have been available to customers.
At its Sept. 11 meeting, the City Council rejected the proposal after police officials raised concern about how the noise would affect the surrounding neighborhood, some of which includes an apartment complex.
Stacy Gilbert, who along with her husband co-owns Beer Belly’s, appeared at Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting to petition for the rezoning again, this time with the pledge entertainment would be kept indoors. The commission voted 7-0 against her request.
“We have no other C-5 in that area,” said Joel Kelsey, commission chairman. “That’s a big zoning for that area.”
C-5 permits large commercial activities.
After the meeting, Gilbert called the commission’s decision “totally unfair.” She said other restaurants and bars in the city offer entertainment in areas that aren’t zoned for such activity. She said the city is punishing her for trying to abide by the proper procedures.
“We’re being told no when we’re trying to go about it the right way,” Gilbert said. “You’d think they’d be more willing to work with us.”
She said the stage, which cost between $500 and $1,000, was completed four days before the council rejected the rezoning.
“I have to go tear down things that we spent money to build,” Gilbert said.
The ability to provide entertainment is critical to the bar’s success, she said.
Patsy Christie, director of planning, said Gilbert may reapply for rezoning in one year. Gilbert may also appeal the city’s decision through the court system, Christie said.
The Gilberts own Well House Tavern, less than half a mile north of the Beer Belly’s location on South Thompson Street. The poor quality of the Well House Tavern’s facility motivated them to move their business, Stacy Gilbert said.