Planners recommend removing school‑dismissal hour restriction on Waverly Area Veterans Post

The City of Waverly Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of an amendment to the Waverly Area Veterans Post (WAVP) special provisional use that would remove the section requiring the post’s bar/lounge to delay opening until 45 minutes after normal school dismissal.

The change was requested because the school that originally prompted the restriction is no longer on the site. Paige, a city planning staff member, told the commission the amendment would eliminate the special-hour restriction and that “it would be mandated by the state's hours” if the change goes through.

Why it matters: Removing the school‑dismissal provision would eliminate a local time limitation specific to the post; opponents say the change could increase daytime and evening activity and exacerbate traffic and noise in the surrounding residential area. The commission framed its role as advisory — the Board of Adjustment will make the final decision.

During a public hearing, multiple neighbors described increased traffic and noise since the post converted to a commercial operation. Larry Hansen, who said he lives at 1010 Fourth Street Northwest, asked directly whether removing the restriction meant the bar would be allowed to operate “all day long until 10:00 at night or 02:00 in the morning.” He added that traffic, stop‑sign violations and noise have worsened since the site’s commercial use expanded.

Tim Little identified himself as a representative of WAVP and said the club had no current plans to expand hours. “As of now, not changing. We're going through all our paperwork and we're just updating everything,” Little said, adding that the club’s liquor license covers certain outdoor uses connected to the property’s lower level.

WAVP board member Carl Benning told the commission the post did not have the staffing to expand hours and that the organization had no plans to stay open late. “We have no plans at the current time to expand our hours,” Benning said.

Other residents raised related concerns. A speaker identified as Buchholz described the post’s normal patterns — afternoon gatherings and occasional evening events — and said the club would not remain open when business did not justify it. August Waltman said recent removal of screening plantings near the post had exposed neighbors to more sightlines and sound. Judy Hanson, who lives near the post entrance, warned about daytime parties, groups of motorcyclists and increased noise affecting backyard use.

On questions about outdoor service, Paige said liquor‑license details are handled by the city administration and that the current license “I believe their existing is in or out,” meaning staff believed the license allowed inside or outside service but that the administration should be consulted for confirmation. Paige said Carla Geier had looked up the license and that Jen Johnson in administration handles liquor licensing.

Commissioners acknowledged residents’ concerns but focused on the narrow amendment before them. One commissioner noted that because the school is gone, the specific condition has little ongoing technical relevance. After discussion the commission voted to recommend approval; the motion carried with no recorded opposition and will go to the Board of Adjustment for final action. Staff said the Board of Adjustment meeting is scheduled for the coming Monday and that that body may accept public comment at its meeting.

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation removes only the time‑restriction clause; it does not change the post’s liquor license, hours permitted by state law, or other conditions attached to the property. The Board of Adjustment will consider the amendment next.