The Pella City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would require special use permits for all new bars or taverns in the community at their meeting Tuesday.
If approved after two more readings, the ordinance would require all new establishments that primarily sell alcohol for consumption in all commercial zones to acquire a permit from the Board of Adjustment before constructing a new facility. Currently, bars and taverns are allowed by right outside of the central business district, where inside of that zoning area there are a maximum of two allowed under special use permit.
The council also approved the first reading of several ordinances and other resolutions relating to the Vintage Cooperative housing development at Bos Landen Golf Course, which included expanding the allowable infrastructure cost from $950,000 to $2,100,000 in tax increment financing for the Southwest Urban Renewal Area. The group expanded plans to include single family housing on some of the lots near where they are building a 41-unit housing cooperative at Bos Landen for adults over the age of 55. Concerns were raised by some of the neighborhood’s residents in regards to traffic flow, as one street will be tasked with handling all of the residents who travel to Bos Landen Drive off of the spur.
They also approved a resolution approving a reserved capacity agreement with Missouri River Energy Services, the third reading of an ordinance allowing minors into microbreweries with parents or guardians over the age of 21, and set October 30th as Beggar’s Night in the community.