Committee approves substitute to gaming-center overlay ordinance, moves it to council

The committee approved on a substitute motion a change to an ordinance that would create a regional entertainment overlay district and add gaming centers to the list of uses in the mixed-use business (MUB) zone as a special use. Planning and Development Director Charles Bloom told the committee the substitute adds the MUB ‘S’ designation in the mixed-use business column and shifts separation criteria (from places of worship, childcare, parks and schools) into the special-use findings so each proposal can be reviewed on its context — for example, where an interstate or waterway separates nearby uses.

Public comments were brief. Supporters said the substitute provides more local control and avoids an unintended grandfathering outcome while opponents urged close scrutiny. Dr. Renie moved the substitute, Dr. Emmens seconded it, and the committee approved the motion and the ordinance substitute, forwarding it to the full council for final action.

What happens next: The full council will consider the substitute and the ordinance on the scheduled council agenda; staff noted the substitute was prepared to match direction from a prior governing-body meeting and to fix an omission in the original draft. The ordinance, as amended by the substitute, would allow gaming centers under a special-use review that includes discretionary findings about proximity to sensitive uses.

Reporting note: The substitute changes how separation distances are evaluated — moving them from a strict mandatory standard into a special-use finding — which means potential applicants will be evaluated case-by-case rather than being categorically excluded on a fixed-distance rule.