Additional parking approved for controversial east Wichita development
The Wichita City Council approved a permit for additional parking for a planned new restaurant on the city's east side. The resturant is planned for the former Barrier's building on the northeast corner of Douglas and Oliver.
The permit allows a duplex to be torn down for the construction of a parking lot north of Douglas on Glendale.
The city's planning director, John Schlegel, said the business is classified as a restaurant because less than half of its gross revenues will come from alcohol. He said the owners would have to apply for another permit if they want to establish a tavern or a drinking establishment.
Residents of the nearby Crown Heights neighborhood have objected to the idea of a bar and grill type of business, saying it will cause problems with trash, noise, traffic and drunk driving. Schlegel said the owners have agreed to close at midnight, and the access to the lot from Glendale will be an entrance only. Cars will have to exit at another point.
One resident voiced frustration that the council did not allow public comments at Tuesday's meeting.
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