Stop Bottled Blonde from Coming to Downtown Gilbert in old Bergies Location

The Issue

Dear Gilbert Town Council,

We, the undersigned residents of Gilbert, Arizona, are deeply concerned about the proposed establishment of Bottled Blonde in downtown Gilbert. As proud members of this quiet, family-oriented town, we believe that this bar will have a detrimental impact on our community, and we respectfully request that you reconsider its introduction. We believe that the negative consequences outweigh any potential benefits, and we implore you to take our concerns into serious consideration.

The establishment of Bottled Blonde will have a direct and concrete impact on the residents of Gilbert. Families and individuals alike will be affected by the increased noise, disruption of peace, and potential rise in unlawful activities associated with such establishments. The peaceful and safe environment that we have all come to cherish in Gilbert will be compromised, and the well-being of our community members, particularly children and the elderly, will be put at risk.

If Bottled Blonde is allowed to open its doors in downtown Gilbert, it will fundamentally alter the character and atmosphere of our beloved town. Gilbert has prided itself on being a family-friendly community, attracting residents seeking a peaceful and secure environment to raise their families. Allowing a bar of this nature to establish itself in the heart of our town will send a message that Gilbert is willing to sacrifice its values and jeopardize the well-being of its residents for the sake of commercial gain. This precedent could lead to further encroachments on our community's integrity, potentially compromising our quality of life and driving families away.

The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. With the proposed establishment's impending arrival, it is crucial that we take immediate action to preserve the essence of Gilbert that we hold dear. Delaying action will only make it more challenging to reverse the consequences once the establishment has been introduced. By acting promptly, we have an opportunity to protect the future of our town and safeguard the values we cherish.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that you reconsider the decision to allow Bottled Blonde to come to downtown Gilbert. We urge you to consider the profound impact it will have on our community, and the irreversible changes it may bring. We trust that you will consider the best interests of Gilbert and its residents, and choose to prioritize the long-term well-being of our town over short-term commercial gains.

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Ashley B.Petition Starter
Victory
This petition made change with 4,516 supporters!

The Issue

Dear Gilbert Town Council,

We, the undersigned residents of Gilbert, Arizona, are deeply concerned about the proposed establishment of Bottled Blonde in downtown Gilbert. As proud members of this quiet, family-oriented town, we believe that this bar will have a detrimental impact on our community, and we respectfully request that you reconsider its introduction. We believe that the negative consequences outweigh any potential benefits, and we implore you to take our concerns into serious consideration.

The establishment of Bottled Blonde will have a direct and concrete impact on the residents of Gilbert. Families and individuals alike will be affected by the increased noise, disruption of peace, and potential rise in unlawful activities associated with such establishments. The peaceful and safe environment that we have all come to cherish in Gilbert will be compromised, and the well-being of our community members, particularly children and the elderly, will be put at risk.

If Bottled Blonde is allowed to open its doors in downtown Gilbert, it will fundamentally alter the character and atmosphere of our beloved town. Gilbert has prided itself on being a family-friendly community, attracting residents seeking a peaceful and secure environment to raise their families. Allowing a bar of this nature to establish itself in the heart of our town will send a message that Gilbert is willing to sacrifice its values and jeopardize the well-being of its residents for the sake of commercial gain. This precedent could lead to further encroachments on our community's integrity, potentially compromising our quality of life and driving families away.

The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. With the proposed establishment's impending arrival, it is crucial that we take immediate action to preserve the essence of Gilbert that we hold dear. Delaying action will only make it more challenging to reverse the consequences once the establishment has been introduced. By acting promptly, we have an opportunity to protect the future of our town and safeguard the values we cherish.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that you reconsider the decision to allow Bottled Blonde to come to downtown Gilbert. We urge you to consider the profound impact it will have on our community, and the irreversible changes it may bring. We trust that you will consider the best interests of Gilbert and its residents, and choose to prioritize the long-term well-being of our town over short-term commercial gains.

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Ashley B.Petition Starter

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This petition made change with 4,516 supporters!

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The Decision Makers

Yung Koprowski, Gilbert Town Councilmember
Yung Koprowski, Gilbert Town Councilmember
Gilbert Town Council
Responded
The proposed use is allowed by right under HVC zoning. Provided the business adheres to the requirements of the Town’s municipal code and land development code, as well as other applicable Town codes, and receives approval through the development process, it is permitted to operate in the Town of Gilbert. I will work with staff to determine the extent that viewsheds from the public right-of-way and neighboring businesses into the nightclub service areas can be restricted. Additional Q&A RELATED TO INTEREST IN THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF 309 N. GILBERT ROAD: Q: Was the Town of Gilbert involved in the sales transaction? A: The property at 309 N. Gilbert Road was sold through a private sale transaction in December 2022. Q: What is the approval process for development in the Heritage District? A: Any proposal for a new building, or an expansion of more than 5,000 square feet, in the Heritage District is required to go through the public review process through a Design Review. This includes an internal review process with Town staff and a public hearing process for design approval with the Redevelopment Commission who specifically oversee the Heritage District. Q: Is this type of business allowed under current zoning? A: The site is currently zoned as Heritage Village Center (HVC). The proposed use is an allowed use by right under HVC zoning under the land development code. Q: What constitutes a building being designated as historic? A: The property at 309 N. Gilbert Road was built in 1918. In the building’s history, it has never been registered as historic by the Arizona State Register of Historic Places (ARHP) and is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). If historic registration is desired, property owners must initiate this process. Additionally, the land is not registered as a historic site. The Town of Gilbert does not have a historic preservation code or ordinance. Q: Are there businesses catering to a similar nighttime audience currently in the Heritage District? A: Yes, operations that cater to a similar nighttime audience include O.H.S.O. Brewery, Level 1 Arcade Bar, Culinary Dropout/The Yard, Whiskey Row, The Porch, The Bar, Mug & Shot, The White Rabbit, Champions Sports Bar, Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen, Postino East and The Parlour Room. Q: Can the Town of Gilbert stop Bottled Blonde from expanding to the Heritage District? A: The proposed use is allowed by right under HVC zoning. Provided the business adheres to the requirements of the Town’s municipal code and land development code, as well as other applicable Town codes, and receives approval through the development process, it is permitted to operate in the Town of Gilbert. Q: How are liquor licenses issued? A: Liquor Licenses in the State of Arizona are issued by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC). The Town of Gilbert makes a recommendation to the DLLC on whether a Liquor License Application for a location in Gilbert should be granted or not. Applications for Liquor License Series 1 - 14, 18 & 19 must be filed directly at the DLLC, and will then be forwarded by the DLLC to Gilbert for review and recommendation. Q: Can Design Review decisions of the Redevelopment Commission be appealed? A: The Redevelopment Commission hears and votes on design review cases, not land use cases. Final decisions of the Redevelopment Commission may be appealed to the Town Council pursuant to the procedures set forth in the land development code. The Town Council shall have the authority to uphold, modify, or reverse design review related decisions of the Redevelopment Commission. Q: It’s been reported that the developer of the proposed project also owns the Gilbert Sand Bar location. Since the Gilbert Sand Bar location opened, the community has expressed concerns about noise and safety, among other things. Has the Gilbert Police Department and the owner of the Gilbert Sand Bar location met to address these concerns? If so, what has the outcome been. A: The ownership and management of the Gilbert Sand Bar has met with the Gilbert Police Department several times. As a result of these meetings, and their realization they needed to make significant changes, there has been a significant decrease in calls for service at this location. Calls for service are still received, but they are within the average volume as other businesses in this area. The Gilbert Sand Bar reduced their sound levels and changed managers, security, and their DJ. All these changes have helped reduce noise and increase security and safety.

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