ROGERS -- Planning commissioners on Tuesday granted a second temporary permit for Regional Rec, a gymnasium at 4503 W. Oak St.
Regional Rec, owned by David Marshall, has been a long and involved situation for planning commissioners. The business operated for several years without a business license or a certificate of occupancy, according to city planners. The owner has been cited for continuing to operate without a certificate of occupancy. The original request for a permit was in April 2012, since then there have been other appearances before planning commissioners.
At A Glance
Commission Action
Rogers’ Planning Commission met Tuesday and approved:
• A development plan for Metro Park, a 68-space parking lot on West Redbud Street.
• A development plan for Aspen Dental, a 3,665-square-foot building at 101 S. Promenade Blvd.
• A development plan of Mathias warehouse 2 and 3 at 1310 and 1402 W. Hudson Road.
• The preliminary plat of Woodhaven Manor, a 55-lot subdivision on 19.1 acres at the northwest corner of Statsman and Mount Hebron roads.
Source: Staff Report
The building housing the gymnasium had several plumbing and electrical violations, city planners said. The request for a permit was tabled by commissioners May 6. At the time commissioners said the code violations had to be addressed and Marshall had to submit a plan for a parking lot and other changes.
A six-month temporary permit was eventually granted to allow Marshall to continue the operation but the permit has expired, said Chris Griffin, city staff attorney.
Marshall was represented by Dirk Thibodeaux with Gray Rock Consulting.
"This is a never-ending project," said Mark Myers, commissioner. "At some point I would like to drive a nail and pin this project down," he added.
Thibodeaux was asked if all the concerns with code violations had been fixed. He said he believed the issues had been addressed.
"There's a difference between believe and done," Myers said.
Mike Rouse, inspections director, was asked if the building had been inspected recently. Rouse said it had been inspected and passed.
The development plan was approved by commissioners Sept. 16, but not all of the problems have been addressed, commissioners said. Marshall has until March 26 to begin construction under the plan.
"I wish there was a clean way to put the project to bed, but there isn't," Griffin said. "I suggest the commissioners approve another temporary six-month conditional use permit. If nothing has been done on the large-scale plan by March 26, then the project is dead and Marshall has to start over again."
Commissioners voted to grant another temporary permit that will end June 1, with four stipulations.
A variance is needed to make buildings comply with zoning setbacks; the building must meet all city codes to include the sign code; Marshall must get a certificate of occupancy and a business license; and have a privacy fence to separate the business from residential property, said Dennis Ferguson, commissioner.
NW News on 12/03/2014