Commission approves EZ Mart remodel and liquor-tasting concept at 6843 W. Beloit Rd., subject to liquor-license approval

The Planning Commission approved site landscape and architectural design review for a new EZ Mart convenience store at 6843 W. Beloit Rd. The owner presented plans for a 5,954-square-foot convenience store that will include a tasting bar and coffee service; the operator said a Class B liquor license will be required to operate the tasting/bar and that applications will be filed with the city.

Jack, the planning staff presenter, said the building previously housed an appliance-service business and retains residential units on the second floor; the proposed remodel will not change the second-floor apartments. Proposed interior changes include updated energy-efficient windows, boxed columns and a refreshed facade. Staff asked for additional landscape buffering along Beloit Road and repair or replacement of a chain-link fence with wooden fencing or another appropriate material, plus a four-sided wooden refuse enclosure. Staff also asked the applicant to submit an exterior lighting plan demonstrating fixtures will not point at adjacent eastern residences, and to provide pavement-repair details in the site plan.

The owner told the commission the business will operate with typical convenience-store offerings and a coffee bar even if a liquor license is not granted; he said he hopes to secure the liquor license to support the tasting component. Planning staff recommended common-council approval of the site plans subject to completion of the listed revisions and determination of liquor-license availability by council.

Commissioners moved and seconded the recommendation and the motion carried. The approval is conditioned on the Common Council considering and granting any required liquor-license approvals and on the applicant submitting the required revised landscape, lighting, refuse enclosure and signage plans for staff review prior to building permits.