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Carefree Truth
Issue #945, August 27, 2021
Issue #945, August 27, 2021
Steve Prokopek explained that a 5 year, 472.5 square feet, patio expansion ground lease agreement, with two 5 year renewal options, was being considered for Venues Cafe at 34 Easy Street. The lease would cost $500 annually, and would increase by 15% per renewal.
The Town would re-stripe the existing parking area to minimize the loss of parking spaces and would relocate the handicap spaces to be adjacent to the Gardens. The current spaces along Easy Street are 9-1/2' wide. They would become 9' wide, like the ones in the Bashas Center but, due to the curvature in the street at that location, the spaces would be 9-1/2' at the center and 10' at the rear. Bicycle parking would be added.
The improvements would minimize the impact to the underlying asphalt and would be independent of the existing premises. The surface of the patio would be pavers over sand, with umbrellas or an extension of the existing awnings for shade.
The Town would re-stripe the existing parking area to minimize the loss of parking spaces and would relocate the handicap spaces to be adjacent to the Gardens. The current spaces along Easy Street are 9-1/2' wide. They would become 9' wide, like the ones in the Bashas Center but, due to the curvature in the street at that location, the spaces would be 9-1/2' at the center and 10' at the rear. Bicycle parking would be added.
The improvements would minimize the impact to the underlying asphalt and would be independent of the existing premises. The surface of the patio would be pavers over sand, with umbrellas or an extension of the existing awnings for shade.
The improvements may be attached but not permanently, which would allow for flexibility as parking and circulation are evaluated. The existing 44" pedestrian walkway would be maintained. 36" is required by the ADA.
In October of 2020, Venues was allowed to have an expansion of premises to allow for added outdoor dining during the Covid-19 pandemic, along with a temporary extension of their liquor permit. This was a common practice throughout the U.S. at the time.
After discussion and evaluation, the Town staff recommended making this patio a more permanent fixture that will enhance the aesthetic and viability of the Town Center, while maintaining future flexibility for redevelopment. The staff has prepared and has received a partially executed ground lease agreement for a patio expansion. The lease is for the fair market value of the property. Venues has applied to the State for an expansion of it's liquor license that is tied to the lease and would expire when the lease expires.
Vice Mayor John Crane called this a great example of Steve working with a merchant, Catherine, to generate a plan that protects her interests without exposing her to additional risks, and minds the Town's interests too. Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer said it was a great idea. She noted that they had been saying for years that it would be good to have build-outs. "This may be the best thing to have come out of Covid."
The Council unanimously approved the motions for the
patio expansion ground lease agreement and the expansion of the liquor permit.
https://vimeo.com/583662269
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
In October of 2020, Venues was allowed to have an expansion of premises to allow for added outdoor dining during the Covid-19 pandemic, along with a temporary extension of their liquor permit. This was a common practice throughout the U.S. at the time.
After discussion and evaluation, the Town staff recommended making this patio a more permanent fixture that will enhance the aesthetic and viability of the Town Center, while maintaining future flexibility for redevelopment. The staff has prepared and has received a partially executed ground lease agreement for a patio expansion. The lease is for the fair market value of the property. Venues has applied to the State for an expansion of it's liquor license that is tied to the lease and would expire when the lease expires.
Vice Mayor John Crane called this a great example of Steve working with a merchant, Catherine, to generate a plan that protects her interests without exposing her to additional risks, and minds the Town's interests too. Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer said it was a great idea. She noted that they had been saying for years that it would be good to have build-outs. "This may be the best thing to have come out of Covid."
The Council unanimously approved the motions for the
patio expansion ground lease agreement and the expansion of the liquor permit.
https://vimeo.com/583662269
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.