Parking Debate in Scottsdale Delays Old Town Tavern’s Next-Door Expansion

Old Town Scottsdale's vibrant nightlife scene is facing a new challenge as the Old Town Tavern seeks to expand into an adjacent space.

 

While the city's Planning Commission approved the move, the City Council has raised concerns about the potential impact on parking in the area.

 

Owner Paul Mitchell, who has operated the tavern for nearly 40 years, emphasized the importance of outdoor seating and live entertainment to his patrons.

 

After losing the lease at the original location, Mitchell purchased a nearby property, initially running it as a restaurant with plans to relocate the bar.

 

His expansion strategy involved acquiring an adjacent business to create a larger venue.

 

However, Scottsdale's zoning regulations tie permits and approvals to specific locations, necessitating a new liquor license and live entertainment permits for the new site.

 

Despite the Planning Commission's approval, the City Council expressed reservations about the parking plan.

 

Under current zoning laws, the proposed bar with live entertainment requires 58 parking spaces.

 

Mitchell's plan included paying for 41 in-lieu spaces, a system allowing businesses to pay the city instead of providing on-site parking, with funds allocated for future parking improvements.

 

Mitchell noted the financial burden, stating, "We would be paying the city almost $80,000 a year."

 

Some council members remained skeptical.

 

One described the in-lieu payments as a "phantom solution," highlighting the 41 spaces as a significant concern.

 

Consequently, the council postponed a final vote, delaying the project.

 

Other council members argued that the city shouldn't decide whether Old Town needs another bar, especially when the operator is already established in the district.

 

One council member disagreed with the notion that the parking plan was unworkable, pointing out that many patrons use ride-sharing services and that additional parking capacity is planned nearby.

 

Mitchell expressed frustration over the delay, as he continues to pay rent on an unfinished space without generating revenue.

 

He invited the concerned council member to visit the tavern but has yet to receive a response.

 

The project's timeline has been lengthy, with the initial approval process taking about nine months.

 

Mitchell is now revising the proposal to operate as two separate businesses with two liquor licenses, which would reduce the parking requirement to approximately 15 spaces.

 

However, this approach entails stricter operational rules, including food-sales requirements tied to the license type.

 

The council member mentioned is working to expedite the revised plan so it can return to the City Council sooner.

 

Mitchell's goal remains to preserve the Old Town Tavern's live-music identity at its new location.

 

He emphasized, "I'm not building a club. I'm building a bar."