Board denies request to reclassify Spotlight Center as primary event center over parking concerns

The Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals Division 2 on Thursday denied a variance request to allow the Spotlight Center Northeast at 5060 East 60th Street to operate multiple indoor event spaces as a primary use rather than as an accessory use (case 2025UV2-006). The three board members present — Chair Craig Von Dalen, Aaron McBride and Tom Barnes — voted no; the variance was not granted.

The petitioner, represented by architect Lester R. Carver of Carver Design Studio, asked the board to treat the building's three assembly rooms as primary indoor recreation/entertainment uses so all three could be used simultaneously. Carver told the board the building has 12,000 square feet and an occupant load listed on submitted plans of 576 people for the whole facility; the three main rooms together would total 441-person capacity when used concurrently.

Staff recommended…