Rapid City rejects parking variance for outdoor music events at Robbinsdale Entertainment Center

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

In a recent meeting of the Rapid City Planning Commission, a proposal for outdoor music events at the Robbinsdale Entertainment Center sparked significant discussion regarding parking and community impact. The request aimed to reduce the minimum required parking from 348 spaces to just 146 for events scheduled every Thursday evening from June 5 to August 28, 2025.

Located at 803 East St. Patrick Street, the entertainment center currently houses a bowling alley, a lounge with a casino, a restaurant, and a salon, all of which collectively require a minimum of 75 parking spaces. With 77 spaces available, the venue meets its existing needs. However, the proposed outdoor events would necessitate an additional 73 spaces, leading to a total deficiency of 202 spaces, even considering the closure of the bowling alley and salon during event hours.

The commission noted that while the applicant has secured informal agreements with nearby businesses for additional parking, such as Boyd's Drug Mart and Redeeming Grace Church, these arrangements lack formal shared parking agreements required by city regulations. Concerns were raised about the safety of patrons crossing East St. Patrick Street, which lacks crosswalks, to access these alternative parking options.

The potential noise impact on nearby residential areas was another focal point of the discussion. Although the applicant proposed measures to mitigate sound, including the use of a semi-trailer as a noise barrier, the commission expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these solutions, especially given prevailing wind patterns that could carry sound into residential neighborhoods.

The police department also weighed in, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive safety and security plan for the events, particularly regarding alcohol service and crowd management. They highlighted past complaints related to noise and parking issues from similar events, underscoring the importance of community feedback.

Ultimately, city staff recommended denial of the variance request, citing a lack of special circumstances that would justify the reduction in parking requirements. They argued that reasonable use of the property already exists with the current indoor music offerings, and that the proposed outdoor events would not meet the minimum adjustment necessary for approval.

As the commission deliberates on this proposal, the outcome will not only affect the entertainment center but also the surrounding community, balancing the desire for vibrant summer events with the need for adequate parking and noise control.

Converted from Rapid City Planning Commission 05-22-2025 meeting on May 22, 2025
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