The Planning and Zoning Commission met Feb. 27 to hold a public hearing on five agenda items and the approval of two alcohol permits.
During the Jan. 23 Planning and Zoning meeting, the commission discussed the approval of a three-year Conditional Use Permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages at the Olive Garden location off I-35.
The commission postponed its decision last month to ensure the adjoining neighborhood residents had their concerns addressed. To address their concerns, staff looked at making changes to the drainage system and the fence wall, as well as adding sound-dampening paint and material.
While addressing these concerns, the Planning and Zoning Commission uncovered that the Olive Garden location was not the main issue. Instead, the commission found that 54th Street Diner was contributing to the bulk of after-hour noise.
Olive Garden representatives were present at the Feb. 27 Planning and Zoning meeting to speak on the matter. Olive Garden’s general manager spoke to council members ensuring he had addressed the noise issue with management at 54th Street Diner, and requested their employees park in the back of the shared parking versus along the fence closest to the neighborhood.
With a clearer idea of how to address the noise problem, the commission motioned to approve Olive Garden’s Conditional Use Permit with an amendment that limits the CUP to 1 year. City Council made this decision in order to readdress this issue when 54th Street Diner’s CUP expires in approximately 3 months.
The second item on the agenda included a request by Aqua Brew General Manager, Carlos Russo, to renew a Conditional Use Permit for the sale of mixed beverages for on-premise consumption at the 150. south LBJ location. The commission unanimously motioned to approve Aqua Brew’s CUP.
The last item on the agenda included a request by Hartman and Associates, Inc. for approval of a replat of 6.06 acres at Thermon Industrial Park. After little discussion, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously motioned its approval.
The agenda for the meeting is available on the city of San Marcos’ website. The next Planning and Zoning meeting will be held on March 27 due to a vote cancelling the March 13 regular meeting.