Published: August 20, 2008 08:02 pm         

Private clubs get conditional use permits

Two new private clubs being developed in uptown Beckley received conditional use permits from the city to allow them to open the private club/restaurants and sell alcoholic beverages in an area not zoned for that use.

Dakota Joe’s, which is owned by Yaple Realty and leased by Bill Shumate, will be allowed to operate a private club/ restaurant within 50 feet of a community building.

The community building was identified as the Raleigh County Courthouse. Dakota Joe’s is located at 208 Main St.

“Special notices were sent to 44 residents and business owners within 300 feet of the establishment,” said Bob Cannon, the city’s chief zoning officer. “There were no phone calls, office visits or letters regarding this petition.”

Cannon said his finding of fact revealed the approval of the permit would not adversely affect the public health, safety, welfare or rights of adjacent property owners or residents.

Beckley’s zoning appeals board previously denied a video lottery permit for Dakota Joe’s, with officials saying the establishment was too close to the courthouse and four churches.

Sarah Birchfield, owner of Rock House Java at 322 Neville St., was also granted a conditional use permit to allow a private club/restaurant in a B-3 zone. The permit will allow the club to sell alcoholic beverages. The establishment has never attempted to apply for a video lottery permit, officials said.

Cannon said there was no opposition to Birchfield’s permit application.

Birchfield said the new business is scheduled to open today, the first day of the city’s 44th annual Appalachian Festival.

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com