Auto parts store plan drives forward

Talk about it

One of the few empty downtown lots in New Richmond may soon have an occupant.

At its regular meeting Monday, the New Richmond City Council unanimously approved the certified survey map from Herbeck Development for a planned building at the corner of Knowles Avenue and Fourth Street, north of the Post Office.

If the project continues forward, the occupant of the new building would be Advanced Auto Parts. The developer has indicated that they’d like to begin construction in the spring, according to Robert Barbian, director of planning and community development.

In other business:

• Darrow indicated that the city is working with commercial property owner Vernon Borst to bring about the demolition of a condemned building. “Hopefully there will be a swift resolve to this,” Darrow said. A letter has been sent to Borst outlining the timeline for removing property from the building and the grounds, and Nov. 29 has been set as the date for demolition. Mayor Fred Horne said a contractor has been lined up to do the work and Borst is cooperating with the city. “Everything has been very cordial,” Horne said.

• Mark Kellaher, with Kellaher’s Bar, voiced his displeasure with the council for its recent discussion regarding liquor licenses in the community. At a meeting in October, council members mentioned that several establishments that hold liquor licenses in the city were not currently operating, including Kellaher’s. At that time, the council agreed to study the issue further to ensure that licenses are fully utilized to the benefit of the local economy. Kellaher said he took issue with discussion that seemed to suggest that the city would shut down the 109-year-old business. Kellaher said the local establishment is currently closed in order to make improvements, and because of health issues within the family. He chastised the council for not talking to the owners prior to discussing the status of Kellaher’s license in a public meeting. Alderman Jim Zajkowski said he never intended to suggest that the business’s license would be pulled by the city or that the business would be shut down. Alderman Kirk Van Blaircom agreed, stating that the council merely wants to clean up its ordinances so that there is some consistency in how the city handles licenses that are not being used.

For the complete story, see this week's New Richmond News.

Tags: local government, new richmond, news, business