Mitchell board backs conditional use for on‑sale alcohol at 1218 E. 1st Ave; heads to council

The Mitchell planning board voted to recommend a conditional use permit that would allow on‑sale alcohol at 1218 East 1st Avenue, moving the application to the Board of Adjustment and city council for final action.

Staff told the board that neighborhood shopping zoning at that address was amended on Aug. 25 to allow on‑sale alcohol as a conditional use. Notices were mailed and published; staff said five responses included in the packet were in favor and two were opposed, with an additional favor response not in the packet. The property was described as at 1st and Foster; staff emphasized any building changes would require later plan approval by this board and the liquor license itself would be decided by council.

Jim Taylor, representing the owners, said the current owners acquired the business about 12 years ago and do not plan to expand the building. "It's not their intent to operate a bar here," Taylor said, describing on‑sale wine and malt beverage sales as adjuncts to the convenience store. An owner at the podium described plans for a small number of video lottery machines and said alcohol would be served only in the gaming area.

Neighbor Martin Iles, who said he lives "kitty‑corner from Arnie's" and has lived in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, urged caution. "There's still school right down the street. There's a hospital. There's a church, and it's a great park," Iles said, urging the board to consider neighborhood character and past opposition to similar proposals.

Board members asked when the zoning change took effect (staff: Aug. 25) and whether the applicants had provided adequate parking; staff replied that four additional parking spaces would be required for the change and the applicant had shown sufficient on‑site parking. Members also raised traffic and delivery concerns; the applicant said distributors would be directed to use the alley and noted that state gaming licensing has design and staffing requirements that would apply.

After discussion the board took a roll‑call recommendation vote; the board recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried. Staff said the application will be scheduled for the Board of Adjustment and for council consideration next Monday at 6 p.m.

The board's recommendation is advisory; final licensure and any required plan approvals remain separate steps in the process.