PC 09/13/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

b. UP-95-53. Michelle St. John-Biddle Application for a conditional use permit to operate a retail store selling new and used kitchen wares, home decorating items, art work, and clothing located at 690-A Main Street. Zoning for the property is C-C (Central-Commercial) District. Jerry Iserson presented the staff report for the conditional use permit for a retail store to sell new and "nearly new" items at 690-A Main Street. This is not a thrift, donation, or consignment store. The applicant will not solicit donations. Used items are already in the applicant's possession from other business activities. The code allows for the retail sales of new merchandise, although a conditional use permit is required for the sale of second-hand merchandise. Staff feels this store will be indistinguishable from other retail stores downtown. Staff has received some communications from downtown businesses who are concerned with the second-hand sales aspect of the business. Staff recommends approval of this application subject to the conditions of approval listed in Exhibit B. In response to Commissioner Hovingh, Mr. Beougher advised that the code is written not requiring a conditional use permit for the sale of antiques as opposed to second-hand, used merchandise. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Michelle St. John-Biddle represented her application for a conditional use permit to sell used merchandise. She stated she has been a professional caterer for twenty years and has acquired a great deal of crystal, linens, silverware, etc., which she now would like sell. She presented examples of the linens, dishes, crystal stemware, crystal bowls, appliances, etc. Once the inventory is sold, she will replenish her inventory by acquiring inventory reductions of other professional catering business. She feels her shop will help bring traffic to Main Street. Commissioner Wright had concern about the "gently used" clothing. Ms. St. John-Biddle advised the clothing will be close-outs, samples, models' clothes, etc. Commissioner McGuirk inquired about how the applicant envisions displaying the merchandise. The applicant stated she has years of experience in professional display of items and has been working on new creative displays. Items will be artistically displayed as opposed to stacking merchandise on shelves and in baskets. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Hovingh motioned, seconded by Commissioner McGuirk, making the conditional use permit findings and approving Case UP-95-53 subject to the conditions of approval listed in Exhibit B. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 September 13, 1995