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