New business to open its doors on Washington Avenue
Apr 7, 2016
The revitalization of downtown Greenville continues after the City Council approved a conditional use permit for a business to open its doors on Washington Avenue.
City Council during Tuesday’s meeting granted a conditional use permit to New Wave Investments Group Inc. to open an event center at 745 Washington Ave. The center will also include a restaurant and bar.
Calvin Nolden, representing New Wave Investments Group Inc., appeared before the Planning Commission on March 22, requesting a conditional use permit to open a business that would serve as a restaurant, bar and event center. Although the property is in the legitimate zone for a restaurant and bar, it is not for an event center.
“(A conditional use permit) is a special exception to have a certain business in a certain zone,” planning director Carlon Williams previously said. “(The building) is actually zoned for the restaurant as long as he meets all of the building, fire, mechanical codes. ... But the event center is more of a place if someone wants to rent it out. That is what he wants the conditional use for.”
In the Planning Commission meeting minutes, Nolden said he would like to have an atmosphere that will accommodate working class people and have a place to hold business meetings. In addition, he would like to rent the space for weddings receptions and other events. He also said cameras will be everywhere and the business will not be detrimental to the area.
When asked by council members about parking, Nolden, who was at the City Council meeting, said folks can park on the street.
“When I lease the (event center), it’s going to be after hours anyways, so it won’t interfere with retailers,” Nolden said.
D’Andre Williams, the city’s housing inspector, said seven letters were sent out to surrounding property owners by certified mail with information about the plans for the property. He said the city did receive a letter of objection from Barry Piltz, owner of J’s Hub. However after speaking with Nolden, he came to terms.
The vote to grant the conditional use permit was 4-1, with Councilwoman Carolyn Weathers opposing. During the meeting, Weathers said she understood “there are concerns” with the event center.
Councilwoman Betty Watkins voted in favor, saying, “I’ve made my decision in the past about how many letters were sent out and how many objections. And if its more than half I vote against if it’s less than half I vote for it.”
Councilwoman Ann Hollowell was not present.
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Mary Alford malford@ddtonline.com | Posted: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 11:49 am