One council member is expressing opposition to a proposed business expansion in Marysville’s Uptown.
At Monday night’s City Council meeting, member Donald Boerger said he is against a proposed expansion to Leon’s Garage, 326 E. Fifth St., as well as a new microbrewery at 129 N. Oak St. The project is owned by Daniels Garage LLC.
The city’s Design Review Board will discuss the issue Wednesday night.
The expansion to Leon’s will include an expanded bar, kitchen and live music venue. There is also a proposed terrace at Leon’s and a proposed patio at House of Spirits, 318 E. Fifth St. To make room for the project, two buildings on the block will be demolished.
The entire project is located within the city’s Uptown Commercial zoning district.
Council member Donald Boerger, who represents that area of the city, said he is “opposed to this development.”
“The City of Marysville has no noise ordinance and the residents on either side of this development will have to deal with the extra noise, traffic, parking issues, and lighting pollution,” Boerger said.
He added, “Marysville is growing very rapidly and we do not have the codes or policy to ensure the resident is always being protected.”
Boerger said his constituents, “understand the importance of protecting the town’s identity.”
“We also want to see our part of town redeveloped in a way which is a partnership between residents and business owners,” Boerger said.
He added, “We want to live in a district which brings people to the heart of our city and restores the Victorian homes and a beautiful commercial structures.”
City Manager Terry Emery said city and developers will work to “be sensitive to other homes and businesses.”
Even so, he notified council “this is a permitted use in this zoning district.”
Boerger acknowledged that but added, “we also want to have our voices heard when development is coming so close to residential areas.”
The councilman said he lives a block from the project, “and I didn’t know anything about this development.”
Emery said every adjoining property owner was notified of the project. City Planner Ashley Gaver said letters were sent Friday notifying residents of the meeting.
“We believe this is not adequate time for residents to prepare themselves,” Boerger said. “We also believe a development of this magnitude should have all parties do their due diligence to make sure all questions are answered.”
Boerger said he has been approached by “many residents” of his ward expressing concern.
He asked to have the matter pushed to Design Review Board’s July meeting so residents “can educate themselves.”
“We understand holding the meeting will ensure I and the neighbors who will be impacted by this development fully understand the design and consequences of what this will bring to the neighborhood,” Boerger said.
Gaver said the approval process will likely take more than one meeting. She said the board will “start discussions” with developers at the Wednesday meeting and will continue the discussions in July.
According to city documents, a traffic impact study may be required for the project to begin.
City staff has stressed the developer will need to provide more specific information about landscaping, building placement, building materials, traffic flow, parking, trash, signage, lighting and other items.
If approved, construction on the project must begin within two years or the approved plan becomes void.
“I am happy the administration has taken these concerns seriously and will tread lightly to make sure all residents, community leaders and developers can work together and making the development a success for everyone,” Boerger said after the meeting.
Wednesday’s Design Review Board meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public, though because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meetings are held electronically. Interested parties may attend this meeting using the Zoom meeting ID: 828 1180 8360, or as part of the teleconference by calling 877-853-5257.