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File #: ABZA 18-2    Version: 1
Type: Appeal-BZA Status: Archived
In control: City Council
Final action: 2/28/2018
Title: Public hearing to consider the appeal of a decision made by the Board of Zoning Appeals stating that the Zoning Administrator's October 30, 2017 determination letter was not in error in determining that the West Addition to the Commodore Restaurant was, for zoning purposes, never legally established as a restaurant space.
Sponsors: Dai Thao
Code sections: Sec. 61.701. - Administrative appeals.
Attachments: 1. Zoning Adminstrator's Letter, 2. Applicant's Claim, 3. Staff Report, 4. City Records, 5. Rupp Resolution, 6. Minutes, 7. Rupp's Appeal to CC, 8. Public Comments, 9. 60-Day Extension, 10. OBrien letter opposing appeal, 11. Opposition to Commodore appeal - Comment rec'd by Council, 12. Support of Commodore appeal - Comment rec'd by Council, 13. Squash Club Permits, 14. 08-30-2012 Building Permit, 15. Letter from Ubl to Rupp.102615, 16. 10-26-2015 City letter to Rupp, 17. 2-23-18 Lein email opposing Rupp appeal
Related files: RES 18-512

Title

Public hearing to consider the appeal of a decision made by the Board of Zoning Appeals stating that the Zoning Administrator's October 30, 2017 determination letter was not in error in determining that the West Addition to the Commodore Restaurant was, for zoning purposes, never legally established as a restaurant space.

 

Body

See "Rupp Resolution" in attachments

 

Required Background Information

[Enter the following information:

 

Does this issue fall within the 60 day rule?  yes

 

If yes, when does the 60 days expire? January 12, 2018

 

Has an extension been granted?  yes

 

If so, to what date? March 13, 2018

 

Please explain.]

 

Key Staff Contact

 

Name:Jerome Benner II

Email: jerome.benner.ii@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Phone: 651-266-9080

 

 

 

 

Date NameDistrictOpinionCommentAction
2/25/2018 7:01 PMSharon Anderson For Mr. and Mrs. John Rupp With Respect for your Testimony re; http://stpaul.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=37&clip_id=3285 47-ABZA 18-2 Publc Hearing Commondore Restaurant. Staff Jerome Benner apparantly re John Rupp Testimony alleged that Benner was giving false informaton to Council. ABZA 18-2 1 34 79 Western Avenue N. - John Rupp Appeal-BZA Public hearing to consider the appeal of a decision made by the Board of Zoning Watch Video Techinally Staff Jerome Benner and City was deposed by Rupp, an Honorable Lawyer,Realestate, wth 80 Employees stated that Brenner gave False Information to Council contrary to Facts, Racheal Tierney attry4council should have instructed Amy Brendmoen aka Mrs.Jeske aka Mrs.Mke Hahn Director of Parks and Rec. Lawyers on Council Chis Tolbert also Hennp cty attry, Jane Prince must call4nvestgaton into J. Brenner a Black Employee giving Inaccurate Info, PS all Res. have to be signed off by Lyndey Olson n Mayor +1 -3 5
2/23/2018 2:27 PMEric Lein (again) Against THIS IS A COMPLEX TOPIC. As I understand it, debate is raging regarding whether or not City-issued liquor license(s) and/or City-permitted construction in/after 1976 and in/after 2012 eliminated the need for Planning Commission review/approval before the “future dining room” (as shown on architects’ plans) is permitted/licensed by the City to be used (in 2018 or after) as an actual dining room (filled with customers who need parking spaces for their cars). QUESTIONS: [1] By approving/permitting/licensing whatever the City approved/permitted/licensed way back in 1976 and thereafter, did the City relinquish its right to enforce parking standards for the Commodore Bar/Restaurant as those standards existed in 1976 or 2012, or currently exist in 2018? [2] Do/Did parking standards apply to the “future dining room,” and if so, which year’s standards, if any, will be enforced? +2
2/23/2018 10:10 AMEric Lein Against Traffic and vehicles in and close to the Commodore parking lot have created an existing, incessant and hazardous problem. Vehicles of non-residents, who are generally not familiar with the parking lot layout, frequently turn from Western Avenue into the Commodore's "garage access only" south driveway. Upon finding themselves trapped, drivers are forced to back into oncoming traffic on Western. While backing across the city sidewalk (at high risk to occasional pedestrians), the drivers' line of sight is almost always blocked by cars parked on Western. I have watched it happen dozens of times (I live very close and walk along Western next to the Commodore 2 to 4 times every day). The near misses are especially exciting after dark...when Mr. Rupp's Commodore Bar and Restaurant attracts plenty of happy customers. +2
2/21/2018 8:04 PMCarl Brandt For I am a 24-year resident of the Commodore Condominiums and have served for years as President of the board. I am writing to you with my individual opinion, but it is informed by deep experience in ***ociation governance. The Commodore Bar and Restaurant is important to the homeowners of the Commodore ***ociation. The bar and restaurant pays 10% of the budget of the ***ociation. This means that the financial success of the restaurant is very important to our homeowners. I would hate to see a bureaucratic snafu potentially compromise the fiscal health of an ***ociation containing 48 homes and 3 businesses. Since the restaurant opened, there has been impact on property values. It also serves as an appreciated amenity for our owners and residents and their guests.  It is important to emphasize the historical and cultural importance of the restaurant. The restaurant has been beautifully restored to capture an important era in St. Paul's history. It is nothing less than a local treasure. +3