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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023.02.16 Church opposition D. MiddleFebruary 13, 2023 RE: Liquor License for 200 Lenora, McCall, ID Letter in Opposition Attn: Anette Spicer, McCall City Manager Bob Giles, Mayor Colby Nielsen, council President Lyle Nelson, Councilor Julie Thrower, Councilor Mike Maciaszek, Councilor RECEIVED F 16 2023 The Chair of the Board of Trustees of the McCall Community Church has brought to the attention of the congregation the request of Monica Tway to locate a bar in very close proximity to the Church. There was an informal informational meeting conducted after worship service on February 5, 2023. There was a follow-up meeting on February 12 to provide Monica Tway an opportunity to present her plan for 200 Lenora St. and the adjoining vacant lot personally. Ms. Tway estimated the building in which she proposes opening an indoor and outdoor sports bar is within 120 feet of the church building entrance to entrance. This is well within the Idaho statutory prohibition which prevents the siting of bars or taverns within 300 feet of a school or church. Idaho Code Title 23, Chapter 9 and 10 (23-913, 23-1011). The only exemption seems to be for renewal of an existing license at that location or transfer of ownership of a bar or tavern which existed prior to the church. That is clearly not the case here. The property at 200 Lenora Street is a retail business. The Church is one of the oldest buildings in McCall dating back over 100 years. Ms. Tway clarified that she is planning to purchase the lot next to 200 Lenora St. also and expand the existing building and add opening garage type doors to expand the bar area into the vacant lot as an outdoor patio and recreation area. The vacant lot property is closer yet to the church and abuts the narrow alley which passes between the vacant lot and the church. She truthfully and candidly acknowledged that she would be making changes to the building and the adjoining lot, and would someday sell to someone else. The proximity to the church makes a tavern unsuitable in this location. The church building is a Church 24 hours a day, not just during Sunday worship. It is not uncommon for churches to hold midnight or sunrise services for special occasions. It is not unusual for people to sit quietly on the memorial bench outside the church. We have held Bible studies outside on warm evenings. Many of our activities involve children of all ages. The conversations and language often heard in bars and taverns is inappropriate for children. The noise and loud talking and music coming from a bar, food court and an adult outdoor recreation area would impede the tranquility and peacefulness of a church as well as its ability to fulfill its purpose and missions. These are not compatible uses. An exception to the law is not appropriate. I respectfully request that this use of the property at 200 Lenora St and adjoining vacant lot be denied. I have been an active congregant of this church since 2018 after I moved to McCall in 2015. I am very much opposed to any bar or tavern being sited this close to this or any church or school. There are many solid reasons this statute and its protection are the law in Idaho and it should be honored. Res submitted, ,126dW ianne Middle D2middle@gmail. corn PO Box 590 McCall, ID 83638