TITLE
Recommendation to receive the supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, overrule the appeal of Mrs. Lani Merlina, and sustain the decision of the City Planning Commission to approve a Conditional Use Permit for a check cashing/payday advance business at 2201 Lakewood Boulevard, Suite “B” (Case No. 0510-12). (District 5)
DISCUSSION
This proposal was first heard at the Planning Commission meeting of February 2, 2006. At that meeting two residents, Nate Zahn and Dave Zahn , spoke in opposition to the proposal. Both requested that the proposal be continued to allow residents more time to learn about the payday advance business. Dave Zahn also felt that the use would create a dangerous situation for clients with cash. In addition to public testimony, two letters were received in opposition to the proposal (Attachment 1). After hearing testimony, the Planning Commission continued the request to allow staff to gather additional information and conduct a community meeting to discuss the proposal.
The community meeting was held on February 28, 2006, and was attended by approximately nine (9) persons. All residents present were in opposition to the proposal. Some of the concerns expressed at the meeting were related to decreased property values , increased crime , and location. Many residents felt the check cashing use was being placed in the wrong location and that no one in their neighborhoods would use the facility.
On March 16, 2006, the Planning Commission conducted a second public hearing after considering testimony and the additional information provided by staff. Staff again recommended the denial of the check cashing use based on the proximity of the check cashing use to other financial institutions (ex. banks , credit unions). There was no public testimony. Commissioner Greenberg made the motion to approve the project and Commissioner Stuhlbarg seconded the motion. This motion passed 4- with Commissioner Sramek voting in ...
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