Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission backs Seven Brew drive‑through; Browns Creek approval and arborist review required
Summary
Oak Park Heights commissioners recommended approval of a Seven Brew drive‑through at the former Ruby Tuesday site, noting conditions including Browns Creek Watershed District sign‑off, adherence to lighting rules (no LED strip lights), and tree/landscape mitigation; the item goes to city council March 24.
The Oak Park Heights Planning Commission voted March 12 to recommend that the city council consider a plan‑development amendment and conditional‑use permit for a Seven Brew drive‑through to replace the former Ruby Tuesday building.
Planner Mr. Richards said the proposal meets B2 zoning setbacks and height requirements, will be constructed as a new 800‑square‑foot building, and provides stacking for 18 vehicles. Staff highlighted conditions that must be satisfied before permits are issued: Browns Creek Watershed District approval for stormwater work, city‑engineer sign‑offs, removal of LED strip lighting from plans (not permitted under current ordinance), and arborist review for tree removal or replacement.
Applicant Jerry Wendle, representing Seven Brew and the site contractor, described the chain’s drive‑through‑only model: no indoor seating, 12–14 employees typically on shift and roughly 40–50 employees per location overall, and traffic controls that route cars into adjacent parking if queues exceed design stacking. Wendle said construction is expected to take about four months and emphasized ongoing site maintenance by the operator.
Commissioners raised questions about lighting, tree removal and the site’s watershed constraints. Mr. Richards explained the site lies within an area where infiltration basins are restricted and that alternative stormwater techniques will be required through Browns Creek review; he also said overall impervious surface on the redeveloped pad is expected to be slightly reduced versus the current condition. Commissioners asked the staff to ensure the city arborist’s tree plan is completed before final approvals.
The commission closed the public hearing and approved a motion recommending the amendment and CUP as presented; the matter will be considered by the city council on March 24. Conditions noted in the recommendation include compliance with lighting and signage standards, Browns Creek approval, and final landscape/arborist plans.
