ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — St. John’s city council voted Monday evening to defer the Brewdock Bar & Eatery application for 83 Duckworth St. — for now.
Coun. Hope Jamieson made a motion to have a public hearing on the proposed business, but after some discussion agreed to instead make a motion for a meeting between residents, the proponent and the city.
She said that would still give residents a chance to discuss their concerns with the applicant, but it wouldn’t be such a lengthy process as a public hearing, which requires publishing public notices in advance.
Jamieson said the meeting will happen as soon as possible.
The city received 19 submissions about the proposed business, including a petition signed by roughly 20 area residents.
The main concerns of residents are that they do not want council to allow outdoor speakers on the bar’s patio, and they would like to see more parking enforcement and a public meeting.
A description of the proposed business says it would operate from noon to midnight inside, and noon to 11 p.m. outside, where there would also be speakers and lighting.
“That site in particular has been subject of some controversy in the past,” said Jamieson.
“There was an establishment there that was perceived to be the source of some difficulty in the neighbourhood, and I understand that that has caused the residents to be hesitant about new development on that particular location.”
Previous establishments at that location include the bars Crazy Horse and Piccadilly.
However, Mayor Danny Breen said the city can’t judge new proponents for a business based on past establishments at the same location.
Council members all seemed to agree that the proposal is positive, especially because the building has been renovated and no longer appears dilapidated.
City staff recommend council approve the application with the caveats of not allowing outdoor speakers, and adjusting lights so they are not disruptive to those who live nearby.
However, council mostly agreed that residents should be given a chance to meet with the proponents before approval is given.
All councillors voted in favour of Jamieson’s motion except Mayor Danny Breen, and councillors Debbie Hanlon and Jamie Korab. Coun. Ian Froude was absent.
When asked why he voted against having a meeting with residents, Breen said the building previously housed licensed establishments, and city staff already recommended removing the outdoor speakers and adjusting the outdoor lighting.
“So, I’m not sure what more can be done by the operators to mitigate the impact. It is downtown, it’s on Duckworth Street, it’s an area that’s an entertainment area, it’s across the street from Bannerman Brewing Co., and there’s other restaurants and those types of establishments in the area.”
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