It’s two steps forward, one step back for the Moose in Bradenton Beach.
The city planning and zoning board voted Feb. 18 to recommend to the city commission that it approve a rezone petition and special exception for the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 2188.
The Moose is renovating its approximately 45-year-old clubhouse, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. The plans include a partial demolition — already completed — and an addition and remodeling, including open-air dining on the rooftop.
Board members unanimously approved the rezone petition in what was essentially a perfunctory vote, required before they could vote on the more controversial special exception.
Board members voted 3-1 to approve the special exception for open-air dining on the roof, with a number of stipulations. Jim Lynch was opposed.
The stipulations include, no more than 190 seats inside and outside the restaurant; that the lodge add two parking spaces, as proposed; loading and unloading of commercial vehicles take place in the parking lot; the north and south walls of the open dining area, which will serve as buffers with the lodge’s neighbors, be at least 6 feet tall and 50 percent opaque; and that the beachfront picnic tables on the outdoor deck be removed, to be replaced by benches and chairs.
“I think it’s a reasonable compromise,” board chair Dan DeBaun said. Lynch was concerned that removal of the tables would limit places for patrons to put their drinks, purses and suntan lotion. He suggested allowing small tables.
Patrons can eat and drink at the picnic tables, but lodge officials don’t allow food and beverages to be served there. Board members, nevertheless, unanimously added a requirement that there be no food service outside the footprint of the building.
The patio picnic tables became a point of discussion for board members, who are currently reviewing the city land development code.
Picnic tables have been on the patio for about 20 years, providing some 96 seats. The question became whether to include those seats in calculating parking spaces.
Adequate parking has long been a concern in Bradenton Beach. The current requirement is one parking space for every three restaurant seats.
“We’ve got to look down the road because these picnic tables are a problem,” Metz said. “It’s not going to be the last time that we look at this question.”
Moose Lodge administrator Ernie Casali Jr. said they will take their case for keeping the picnic tables before the commission, because the tables cost the lodge more than $10,000. He wants city hall to treat all dining establishments equally.
“Now they have put our backs against the wall,” Casali said. “We let the public do a lot over there. They may have just opened Pandora’s box.”
Board member Fawsey Makar was absent with an excuse.