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Supporters say owner leased large off‑site lot; staff says parcels must be improved and approved first
Summary
Supporters including local realtor Terry Hunter and representative Jed Acree urged approval, saying the owner rehabilitated the property and leased adjacent parcels they said could hold parking for more than 100 vehicles; staff noted those parcels are unimproved and must undergo site plan review before counting toward required spaces.
Two supporters spoke on behalf of Fantasy Island during the de novo hearing.
Terry Hunter, a local realtor and resident, said the business had transformed the site from a 'vacant and neglected' property into a cleaner, attractive establishment that benefits the neighborhood and argued the lounge designation would support continued revitalization and jobs.
Jed Acree, speaking for the applicant, addressed parking concerns and said the applicant had leased an adjacent field he described as 'roughly a 100 by 50 yards' that 'could easily accommodate over 100 vehicles.' Acree emphasized cooperation with inspections and city departments. Reuter, however, told the commission the two vacant lease parcels staff observed are unimproved and would require site plan approval and improvements before they could be lawfully used as off‑site parking to satisfy the minimum parking requirement.
The exchange highlighted a factual gap the commission will consider: supporters assert immediate off‑site parking capacity; staff says formal site plan review and improvements are prerequisites before counting those parcels toward the 22‑space minimum for a large‑scale drinking establishment.
