Zoning law passed addressing adult uses

White Bear Press

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP — The White Bear Town Board addressed a missing zoning ordinance dealing with adult uses, such as an adult bookstore or adult motion picture theater, during its regular meeting Sept. 18.

The town looked to nearby cities and drafted a similar ordinance so that if such an establishment were to come to White Bear Township, regulations would be in place already.

“These conditions and terms are very similar to surrounding communities,” Town Board Chair Bob Kermes said.

The zoning would also be limited to a specific location near the former town hall and would not allow alcohol.

During the public comment portion, a resident asked if the language would encourage or deter adult establishments from coming to the town. The town attorney answered that the language is designed to be as neutral as possible and that the language was added just to set guidelines if an adult establishment were to want to locate in White Bear Township.

In other action, the board:

• Modified the TIF documentation for the expansion of the Water Gremlin facility. The company is doubling its size by adding another 72,000 square feet; therefore, an amendment to the original TIF document was required.

• Reduced the tax levy by setting aside existing funds to make debt payments.

• Heard from a concerned citizen who owns property on which she and others believe people to be poaching and trapping animals.

• Held public hearings regarding issuance of a conditional use permit allowing for construction of homemade furniture and to also allow indoor storage at a commercial building. However, due to a mailing error, not all residents within 350 feet were notified, so the hearing was continued until the next meeting.

• Awarded a contract to Jeanetta & Sons Excavating in the amount of $41,050 for Hammond Road and White Bear Parkway storm sewer improvements.

• Approved the consent agenda, which mostly consisted of right of way permits.