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Planning commission approves Churchland event space; extends hours to 2 a.m. and requires security plan
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Summary
The commission voted 4-1 to approve a use permit for Dreams Come True LLC to operate an event space at 6031 High Street West, granting extended hours to 2 a.m. and a condition requiring prior approval of a security plan and replacement of a nonconforming roof sign.
The Portsmouth Planning Commission on May 6 approved a use permit for Dreams Come True LLC to operate an event-space banquet hall at 6031 High Street West in the Churchland area, voting 4-1 and adding security and hours conditions.
Valerie Malzone, principal planner, described the site as part of a 2.4-acre parcel (City Line Plaza) zoned General Mixed Use (GMU). The applicant proposes a 4,300-square-foot event space with about 2,600 square feet of assembly space, an outdoor patio, three restrooms (a correction from two in the packet), and a full kitchen. “A preliminary estimate of the building’s capacity is 181 occupants,” Malzone said.
Staff recommended conditions including compliance with the zoning ordinance for signage (the existing roof sign is legally nonconforming), requiring replacement of that sign, and limiting hours of operation to 8 a.m.–midnight based on precedent for similar event spaces. The applicant asked the commission to allow later hours.
Applicant Belinda Ashby, the owner-operator of Dreams Come True LLC, described her background in food-service and harbor work and said the proposed venue would serve a variety of private events. “I would like for y’all to get to know me better,” Ashby told commissioners, and she asked for flexibility on hours to accommodate clients from different cultures who sometimes start events late.
Supporters testified in favor. Elliot Cohen, owner of City Line Plaza, told commissioners he has owned the shopping center 45 years and urged giving the applicant a chance, saying, “I’m asking to give her a chance. Let her show you that she’s real.”
Commissioners debated staff’s recommended hour limit versus the applicant’s request and whether leaving a sign in place is appropriate. Commissioner Melvin moved to approve the permit with the stated staff conditions plus a requirement that the applicant submit a security plan approved by the zoning administrator prior to operation and to allow operation through 2 a.m. Commissioner Taylor seconded. The commission approved the item 4-1.
Planning staff will require the replacement of the nonconforming roof sign to conform with the zoning ordinance and the prior submittal of required permits and inspections before full operation; the use permit listing these conditions will be part of the record. The decision includes an explicit security-plan approval condition; violations of conditioned use standards could lead to revocation of the permit.
