HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket, Planning Commission PLANNER 9/2/2008
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
DATE OF HEARING:
September 2, 2008
TO:
Springfield Planning Commission
TRANSMITTAL
MEMORANDUM
FROM:
Mark Metzger, Planner
SUBJECT:
Proposed amendment to SDC Section 3:2-610, adding "Bowling
Alleys" to the list of permitted uses in the Mixed-Use Commercial
zoning district
ISSUE: A citizen initiated amendment has been proposed to add "Bowling Alleys" to the list of
permitted uses in the Mixed Use Commercial zoning district. Bowling alleys are not currently
allowed in the Mixed-Use Commercial zoning district. At issue is whether to allow. this new use.
DISCUSSION: SDC Section 3.2 60D-Mixed-Use Zoning Districts was drafted in 2002. The list
of permitted uses within mixed-use districts was developed by an advisory committee composed
of citizens, business owners and members of the Planning Commission. At the time the
committee evaluated permitted uses; our experience with how to structure "mixed-use" zoning
and "nodal deilelopment" was limited. Over the past six years, observation of other
communities as well as our own experience has broadened. The emphasis on achieving
attractive commercial development that is pedestrian-friendly and transit supportive is seen as
more important than regulating publicly accepted recreational activities such as bowling.
The amendment would allow bowling as an activity but would not change the pedestrian-
oriented, transit supportive design standards that apply to development in the Mixed-Use
Commercial zoning district. These design standards are important to achieving attractive
commercial developments in mixed-use areas. The standards are also a key to implementing
"nodal development," one of the TransPlan strategies for reducing Springfield's reliance on the
automobile.
Attachment 1 to the Staff Report shows that other comparable recreational uses in the Mixed
Use Commercial district such as gyms and athletic clubs, recreation centers, and miniature golf
were permitted in the zone. The applicant believes there is a market for an updated form of
bowling establishment that incorporates full service restaurants, and other upscale attractions
and decor. Attachment 2 to the Staff Report is a compilation of news articles describing this
new trend in bowling alleys. .
ACTION REQUESTED: The Planning Commission is requested to review the proposed
amendment to and make a recommendation to the City Council to approve, approve with
suggested modifications or to deny the amendments. The Commission may also recommend to
the City Council that no action be taken on the amendments at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Staff Report
Attachment 2: Planning Commission Order
Date Received: 9/vh-lll> '1
Planner: MM .. 1
Proposed Text Amendment to the Springfield Development Code
Case No. LRP2008-00010
September 15, 2008
Applicant:
S. R. Yett
975 Oak Street Suite 700
Eugene, OR 97401
541-485-5151
Journal No.
LRP2008-00010
Request:
To make a text amendment to the Springfield Development
Code, Section 3.2-610 "Schedule of Categories" adding
"Bowling Alleys" to the list of permitted recreational uses
within the Mixed-Use Commercial zoning district Bowling
. alleys are not currently a permitted use.
ProcedureType:
Type IV -- Legislative
AttachmentS:
Attachment 1: Proposed Change to SDC Section 3.2-610 in legislative format.
Attachment 2: Articles describing the changing market for bowling alleys
I. Executive Summary
An amendment has been proposed to add "Bowling Alleys" to the list of permitted uses
in the Mixed Use Commercial zoning district. Bowling alleys are not currently allowed
. in the Mixed-Use Commercial zoning district. The amendment would allow bowling as
an activity but would not. change the pedestrian-oriented, transit supportive design
standards that apply to development in the Mixed-Use Commercial zoning district.
These design standards are important to achieving attractive commercial developments in
mixed-use areas. The standaids are also a key to implementing "nodal development,"
one of the TransPlan strategies for reducing Springfield's reliance on the automobile.
The applicant describes a changing market for bowling facilities. There is less
dependence on old institutions like bowling leagues to support the use. Instead, the
applicant sees future bowling establishments as being more. upscale, catering to
occasional users like families and adults who enjoy bowling as a recreational activity that
brings friends and families together.
To reach this new market, these new upscale bowling establishments have replaced snack
bars with full service restaurants. The seedy arcades and pool tables that are identified
with old-style bowling alleys have also been upgraded to create a family entertainment
experience for patrons before 8 pm and a late evening club experience for adults seeking
an active night life. Attachment 2 is compilation of selected news articles describing the
new trend in bowling establishments. q~ /6 _ 2-fi'8Y
SDC Bawling Amendment Date Received: 1
Case No. LRP2008-0001O Planner: MM /l~ /- 17
June 24, 2008 r 0
ATTACHMENT 1 - 1
,
Staff findings based on the criteria for approving amendments to the Springfield
Development Code found in SDC Section 5.6-115 are sufficient to support of City
Council decision to approve the amendment.
BACKGROUND
Section 3.2 600-Mixed-Use Zoning Districts was drafted in 2002. The "Schedule of
. Use Categories" developed by an advisory committee composed of citizens, business
owners and members of the Planning Commission, that evaluated more than 200 uses for
. inclusion in the Mixed-Use Zoning District. There remains no specific record of the
rationale for not permitting bowling alleys in the Mixed"Use Commercial zone. Other
recreational uses in the Mixed Use Commercial district such as gyms and athletic clubs,
recreation centers, and miniature golf were permitted in the zone. The other uses
mentioned as part of these new upscale bowling complexes are already permitted in the
Mixed-Use Commercial district, including arcades, pool halls, and restaurants. .
At the time the advisory committee was considering the land uses that would be allowed
in the Mixed-Use Coinmercial district, experience with how to structure "mixed-use"
zoning and "nodal development" was limited. Over the past six years, observation of
other communities as well as our own experience has broadened. The emphasis on
achieving attractive commercial development that is pedestrian-friendly and transit
supportive is seen as more important thanregulating publicly accepted recreational
activities. Other recreational uses are allowed in the Mixed-Use Commercial district as
caD. be seen in Attachment 1, the legislative version of the proposed amendment.
Springfield has a single bowling alley, located at 9th and Main Street. Three additional
lanes are located in Eugene. These establishments have been in business at the same
locations since before 1970.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The impact of a bowling alley Use on public facilities such as water, and sanitary sewer is
consistent with other uses allowed in the Mixed-Use Commercial zone. The International
Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual estimates that bowling alleys
generate about 85 trips during the PM peak hour between 4pm-6pm on adjacent streets.
By comparison, trip generation for an athletic club would be 184 trips and a sit down
restaurant is estimated to be 414 trips during the same PM peak hours. As mentioned
above, sit down restaurants and athletic clubs are allowed in the Mixed-Use Commercial
zone. Bowling alleys typically generate traffic during off-hours after rush hour traffic has
abated. '
This amendment is a citizen initiated amendment. The amendment, if approved, would
apply to all properties in the Mixed-Use Commercial zone and not just to the properties
owned by the applicant.
SDC Bawling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008-00010
June 24, 2008
2
ATTACHMENT 1 - 2
Based on the findings of staff with respect to the criteria defined in 5.6-115 for
approVing amendments to the SDC, staff finds the proposed amendments to SDC
Section 3.2-610 to be consistent with these criteria and recommend approval of the
proposed amendments.
n. Procedural Requirements
ProceduTaI requirements for amending the Springfield Development Code (SDC) are
described in Sections 5:6-100 and 5.1-140 of the SDC.
SDC Section 5.6-105 indicates that the Planning Director, Planning Commission, City
Councilor a resident of the City can initiate , amendments to the SDC. Such amendments
of are reviewed under a "Type IV" procedure (Section 5.6-110) and require public
hearings before the Planning Commission and the City Council. Type IV procedures are
detailed in Section 5.1-140 of the SDC. The proposed revision to SDC Section 3.2-610
was initiated by citizen request.
SDC Section 5.2-110 (B) requires that legislative land use decisions be advertised in a
newspaper of general circulation;'providing information about the legislative action and
the time, place and location of the hearing.
Findings:
#1. The applicant, S. R. Yett initiated the proposed these amendment to Section
3.2-610. The amendment is not site-specific and falls under the definition of a
legislative action.
. #2. A "DLCD Notice Proposed Amendment" was mailed to the Department of
Land Conservation and Development on June 9, 2008, alerting the agency to
the City's intent to amend SDC Section 3.2-610. The notice was mailed more
than 45 days in advance of the tirstevidentiary hearing as required by ORS
197.610. No comment has beeIireceived from the Department concerning the
amendments.
#3. Notice of the public hearing concerning this matter was published on
Thursday, August 7, 2008 in the' Eugene Register Guard, advertising the
hearing before the Springfield Planning Commission on September 2, 2008,
and the Springfield City Council on September 15, 2008. The content of the
notice followed the direction given in Section 5.2-115 of the SDC for
legislative actions.
#4. ORS 197.047(4) requires the local government to mail a notice to every
landowner whose property would be "rezoned" as a result of an amendment to
planning policies that would limit or prohibit land uses previously allowed in
the affected zone. .
SDC Bowling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008-000JO
June 24, 2008
3
ATTACHMENT 1 - 3
#5. The proposed amendnient to the Springfield Development Code adds bowling
alleys to the list of permitted uses and does not introduce any new limitation on
the uses already allowed in the Mixed-Use Commercial zoning district.
Mailed notice to landowners is therefore not required under the provisions of
ORS 197.047(4).
.
Conclusion:
Procedural requirements described in Sections 5.6-100 and 5.1-140 of the SDC have been
followed. Notice requirements established by DLCD and the Oregon Revised Statutes
for amending the Development Code have also been followed.
ill. Decision Criteria and Findings
SDC Section- 5.6-115 describes the criteria to be used in approving an amendment to the
SDC. It states that in reaching a decision, the Planning Commission and the City Council
must adopt findings which demonstrate conformance with "1) the Metro Plan; 2)
applicable State statutes; and to 3) applicable State-wide Planning Goals and .
Administrative Rules. " -
C;riterion #1 "Conformance with the Metro Plan"
Findings
#6. The Mixed-Use Commercial zoning district implements the "Mixed-uses,"
"Community Commercial Center" and Nodal Development Area" designations
in the Metro Plan. Amendments to the Mixed-Use Commercial zoning district
should be consistent with the Metro Plan designations that the zoning district
implements.
#7. The Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan) is the
guiding comprehensive land use planning policy document for the City of
Springfield. The "Land Use Designations" section of the Metro Plan describes
uses that are intended for Community Commercial Centers (page II-G-4).
Among the broad categories listed are "private recreational facilities."
Bowling alleys are generally recognized as recreational facilities.
#8. The Mixed Uses and Nodal Development Area designation descriptions found
in the "Land Use Designations section of the Metro Plan do not contain
prohibitions that would affect the proposed SDC amendment.
#9. The Nodal Development Area description (page II-G-8) places an emphasis on a
mixed-use pedestrian-friendly land use pattern that includes a diverse mix of
compatible uses. In the list of "Fundamental characteristics of nodal
development," the focus in on pedestrian-friendly, transit supportive design.
SDC Bawling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008-0001O
June 24, 2008
4
ATTACHMENT 1 - 4
#10.' If approved; the pedestrian-oriented, transit supportive design standards that
apply to development within the Mixed-Use Commercial zone, will apply to
all bowling alleys built in the zone.
#11. TransPlan is a functional plan of the Metro Plan that provides more detailed
planning policy statement as it applies to transportation planning. As
mentioned above Nodal Development Area is a Metro Plan designation.
TransPlan further describes the intent of nodal development and contains
policies governing nodal development.
#12. "The Land Use Policies" section of TransPlan (Chapter 2, Pages 13718) lists
the policies in TransPlan that are intended to implement Nodal Development.
None of the five policies listed include director indirect provisions that would
preclude bowling alleys from being allowed uses within nodal development
areas.
. Conclusion
The findings show that the proposed addition of "Bowlii1g Alleys" to the list of permitted
recreational uses found in SDC Section 3.2-610, is consistent with commercial uses as
described in the Metro Plan. The other MetroPlan designations that are imp1eme~ted by
the Mixed-Use Commercial zoriing district, Mixed- uses imd Nodal Development Area,
support intending a diverse mix of compatible uses with a focus on pedestrian-oriented,
transit supportive development design. No prohibitions against recreational uses or
bowling alleys are found in these designations.
Based on the findings shown above, staff concludes the p;oposed amendment to SDC
Section'3.2-610 is consistent with the applicable portions of the Metro Plan. .
Criterion #2 "Conformance with Applicable State Statutes"
Finding
#13. A text search of the Oregon Revised Statutes yielded one planning-related
reference to bowling alleys; 197.432 (l0)(b)(B) states that bowling alleys are
not allowed within a "speedway theme parks." "Recreational uses" are
mentioned in ORS 197.432 for the siting of speedways and in '197.435 for the
siting of destination resorts.
Conclusion
The Oregon Revised Statutes appear to be silent on the. specifics of adding bowling alleys
or recreational uses to mixed-use or commercial zoning. For lack of a prohibition against
it, bowling 'al1eys and recreational uses are presumed to be allowable land uses.
SDC Bawling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008-00010
June 24, 2008
5
ATTACHMENT 1 - 5
Based on the findings included above, the proposed amendment to SDC Section 3.2-610
does not conflict with any applicable state statutes. It is the conclusion of staff that the
proposed amendments comply with this criterion.
Criterion #3 "Applicable State-wide Planning Goals and Administrative Rules "
Compliance with Oregon Administrative Rules
Findings
#14. A text search of the applicable Oregon Administrative Rules shows that
bowling alleys are only mentioned in the context of an Oregon DEQ
exemption of bowling alleys from noise regulations (OAR 340-035-0035
(5)(1)). .
# 15. Mixed Use' Commercial zoning is an important to implementation of nodal
development, Springfield's adopted strategy for reducing the average vehicle
miles traveled each day by residents. Any change to the Springfield
Development Code that significantly degrades the intended function of nodes
would not be consistent with OAR 660-12-0660(6)(b).
#16. The International Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual
estimates that bowling alleys' generate about 85 trips during the PM peak hour
between 4pm-6pm on adjacent streets. By comparison, trip generation for an
athletic club would be 184 trips and a sit down restaurant is estimated to be
414 trips during the same PM peak hours. Both sit down restaurants and
athletic clubs are allowed in the Mixed-Use Commercial zone. It would appear
that bowling alleys would have an impact on trip generation that is out of
character with other allowed nodal uses. -
Compliance with Statewide Planning Goals
Goal 1 - Citizen Involvement. Goal 1 calls for "the opportunity for citizens to be
involved in all phases of the planning process."
# 17. The proposed amendments to SDC Section 3.2-610 the' subject of legislative
public hearings advertised in the Eugene Register Guard on Thursday, August
7, 2008. The Planning Commission scheduled a public hearing for September
2, 2008. The City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on September
15, 2008.
Goal 2 - Land Use Planning. Goal 2 outlines the basic procedures of Oregon's
statewide planning pro'gram. It says that land use decisions are to be made in
accordance with a comprehensive plan, and that suitable "implementation ordinances"
to put the plan's policies into effect must be adopted.
SDC Bawling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008cOOOJO
June 24, 2008
6
ATTACHMENT 1 - 6
#18. The Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan) is the
acknowledged comprehensive plan that guides land use planning' in Springfield.
Various adopted refinement plans and specific area plans provide more
detailed direction for planning under the umbrella of the Metro Plan.
#19. The SDC implements the policies and direction of the Metro Plan. The
proposed amendments to SDC Section 3.2-610 will modify the list of
. permitted recreational uses allowed within the Mixed-Use Commercial zoning
district.
#20. The proposed change to SDC Section 3.2-610 is consistent with the Metro Plan
and the nodal development provisions of TransPlan (See findings #4-#10)
Goal 3 - Agricultural Land. Goal 3 defines "agricultural lands." It then requires
counties to inventory such lands and to "preserve and maintain" them through farm
zomng.
#21. This goal does not apply within adopted, acknowledged urban growth
boundaries. The City Of Springfield does not have any agricultural zoning
districts. These amendments do not apply outside the urban growth boundary
and, because of limitations on commercial and industrial development without
full urban services, geneiaIly do not apply outside the city limits. All land in
the City's urban transition area carries City zoning.' An exception to this goal
was taken in 1982 when the comprehensive plan was acknowledged.
Goal 4 - Forest Land. This goal defines forest lands and requires counties to
inventory them and adopt policies and ordinances that will "conserve forest lands for
forest uses."
#22. This goal does not apply within adopted, acknowledged urban growth
boundaries. The City of Springfield does not have any forest zoning districts. .
These amendments'do not apply outside the urban growth boundary and, .
because of limitations on commercial and industrial development without full
urban services, generally do not apply outside the city limits. All land in the
City's urban transition area carries City zoning. An exception to this goal was
taken in 1982 when the comprehensive plan was acknowledged.
Goal 5 - Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources. Goal 5
. covers more than a dozen natural and cultural resources such as wildlife habitats and
. wetlands. It establishes a process for each resource to be inventoried and evaluated.
#23. The amendment to SDC Section 3.2-610 does not repeal, replace or void
existing Metro Plan policy or Development Code regulations with respect to
any identified natural resources. No changes to supporting ordinances or
policy documents adopted to comply with Goal 5 are affected by these
amendments.
SDC Bawling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008-000JO
June 24,2008
7
ATTACHMENT 1 - 7
Goal 6 - Air, Water and Land Resources Quality. This goal requires local
comprehensive plans and implementing measures to be consistent with state and
federal regulations on matters such as groundwater pollution.
#24. The amendment to SDC Section 3.2-610 does not repeal, replace or void
existing Metro Plan policy or Development Code regulations with respect to
any identified air, water or land resource issues. No changes to supportirig
ordinances or policy documents adopted to comply with Goal 6 are affected by
these amendments.
Goal 7 - Areas Subject to Natural Disasters and Hazards. Goal 7 deals with
development in places subject to natural hazards such as floods or landslides. It
requires that jurisdictions apply "appropriate safeguards" (floodplain zoning, for
example) whenplanning for development there.
#25. All sites within Springfield that are subject to these hazards (floodplain,
erosion, landslides, earthquakes, weak foundation soils) are inventoried
through a variety of sources. The proposed amendment does not remove or
exempt compliance with other Code standards that may apply to development.
Goal 8 -.Recreational Needs. This goal calls for each community to evaluate its
areas and facilities for recreation and develop plans to deal with the projected demand
for. them.
#26. Willamalane Park and Recreation District is the entity responsible for park
planning, development and maintenance in the urban transition area as well as
the city limits. The proposed amendments to do not alter policies encouraging
the provision of recreational facilities or the incorporation of community open
space in development design.
Goal 9 - Economic Development Goal 9 calls for diversification and improvement.
of the economy. It asks cOI)1munities to inventory commercial and industrial lands,
project future needs for such lands, and plan and zone enough land to meet those
needs.
#27. The amendment to SDC Section 3.2-610 does not repeal, replace or void
existing Metro Plan policy or Development Code regulations with respect to
any economic development issues. No changes to supporting ordinances or
policy documents adopted to comp1y.with Goal 9 are affected by these
amendments.
Goal 10 - Housing. This goal specifies that each city must plan for and.
accommodate needed housing types, such as multifamily and manufactured housing.
#28. The amendment to SDC Section 3.2-610 does not repeal, replace or void
existing Metro Plan policy or Development Code regulations with respect to
SDC Bawling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008-000JO
June 24, 2008
8
ATTACHMENT 1 - 8
any housing issues. No changes to supporting ordinances or policy documents
adopted to comply with Goal 1 0 are affected by these amendments.
Goal 11 - Public Facilities and Services. Goal 11 calls for efficient planning of
public services such as sewers, water, law enforcement, and fire protection.
#29. The Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Public Services and Facilities Plan
(PFSP) is a refinement plan of the Metro Plan that guides the provision of
public infrastructure; including water, sewer, storm water management, and
electricity. The amendments to SDC Section 3.2-610 do not repeal, replace or
void existing Metro Plan policy or Development Code regulations with respect
to any public facilities. No changes to supporting ordinances or policy
documents adopted to comply with Goal 11 are affected by these amendments.
Goall2 - Transportation. The goal aims to provide "a safe, convenient and
economic transportation system."
#30. Section 660c012-0060 of the Transportation Planning Rwes requires'
evaluation of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation amendment to
determine if an amendment to the Springfield Development Code significantly
affects a transportation facility.
#31. The proposed amendments do not: change the functional classification of an
existing or planned transportation facility; change standards implementing a
functional classification system; allow types of levels of use which would
result in levels of travel or access which are inconsistent with the functional
classification of a transportation facility; or reduce the level of service of a
facility below the minimum acceptable level identified in the Metropolitan
Area Transportation Plan (TransPlan).
Goal 13 - Energy Conservation. Goal 13 declares that "land and uses developed on
the land shall be managedanQ controlled so as to maximize the conservation of all
forms of energy, based upon sound economic principles."
#32.
The amendments to SDC Section 3.2-610 do not repeal, replace or void
existing Metro Plan policy or Development Code regulations with respect to
energy conservation. No changes to supporting ordinances or policy
documents adopted to comply with Goal 13 are affected by these amendments.
Goal 14 - Urbanization. This goal requires cities to estimate future growth and
needs for land and then plan and zone enough land to meet those needs.
#33. The amendment to SDC Section 3.2-610 does not repeal, replace or void
existing Metro Plan policy or Development Code regulations with respect to
Springfield's inventory of buildable lands. No changes to supporting
SDC Bawling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008-00010
June 24, 2008
9
ATTACHMENT 1 - 9
ordinances or policy documents adopted to comply with Goal 14 are affected
by these amendments.
Goal 15 -. Wdlamette River Greenway. Goal 15 sets forth procedures for
Hciministering the 300 miles of greenway that protects the Willamette River. .
#34: The proposed amendment to SDC Section 3.2-610 does not change the
obligation to comply with the City's existing standards for development with
respect to the Wil1amette River Greenway. The Greenway provisions allow
development of permitted uses in the underlying zone, provided that all other
Greenway reqUirements are satisfied. The City's adopted, acknowledged
Greenway ordinance will not be changed.
Goals 16 through 19 - Estuarine Resources, Coastal Shorelands, Beaches and .
Dunes, and Ocean Resources. There are no coastal, ocean, estuarine, or beach and
dune resources within the City's jurisdiction. These goals do not apply in Springfield.
Conclusion
The proposed amendinent to SDC Section 3.2-610, based on the findings included above,
are consistent with Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon's Statewide Planning
Goals.Itis the conclusion of staff that the proposed amendments comply with this
criterion.
IV. Conclusion and Recommendation of Staff
Based on its findings with respect to the criteria defined in SDC Section 5.6-115 for
approving amendments to the Springfield Development Code, staff finds the ptoposed
amendments to SDC Section 3.2-610 to be consistent with these criteria and recommend
approval of the proposed amendments.
SDC Bawling Amendment
Case No. LRP2008-000JO
June 24, 2008
10
ATTACHMENT 1 -10
Attachment 1 '
Proposed Text Amendment of the Springfield Development Code
(Legislative Version)
Section 3.2-610
I Districts
I Categories/Uses MUC MUE I MUR I
1~~1:Iiiti:onalt~~liti~~1t~ ~~I~IIlI:
I Arcades PIP I N 1
I Art Studios, Perfonming PIP N I
I Auditoriums NIP 'I N I
I Bingo parlors NIP N I
I Bowling allevs N PIP, I N I
Dance halls N 'I PIN 1
Exercise studio P PIP 1
Gyms and athletic clubs P PIP 1
Hot tub establishments P PIP 1
Miniature auto race track P NIP 1
Movie theatres P PIN I
Non-alcoholic night club P PIN 1
Off-track betting P PIN I
Parks, private and public ' P PIP I
Playground P P ,I' P I
Play/tot lot P PIP I.
Pool halls P P 1 H I
Recreation center P PIN I.
Skating rinks 1 N P 1 'N 'I
Tennis, racquetball and handball courts 1 P PIP 1
I Theatre, legitimate (live stagell P PIN I
N= Not Permitted
P=Permitted
ATTACHMENT 1 - 11
. Attachment 2
Not your fathel"s bowling center
9/16/2005
It's safe to call Chicago a bowling town.
The numbers certainly back it up.
More"than 25,000 people bowled in
Chicago in 2004, in 910 organized
leagues on a combined 1,80i lanes in
73 bowling centers, according to the
Chicago Metropolitan Bowling
Association.
We're talking hard-core bowlers: bags,
shoes, personalized balls - the whole
deal.
But that's not the crowd being targeted with the newest crop of bowling lounges in
town, the latest being Lucky Strike Lanes in Streeterville. These new spots are more
interested in the hipster crowd that puts knocking down cocktails ahead of knocking
down pins.
"We very rarely get the person who comes in with their own ball and shoes and
bowls five games to work on their hook," said Lucky Strike co-owner Bill Scheidhauer.
This isn't' just the case for. Lucky Strike, .the posh new bowling spot that opened here
last month; it's also the case for River North's 10Pin and, to a lesser degree, Lincoln
Park's Seven Ten - the alleyformerly known as Lucky Strike.
"Bowling used to be viewed as this nerdy sport," said Jason Erkes, president of the
Chicago Social Club, who says he has 500 people participating in fall leagues in
Chicago this year. "But as old. things become new again, bowling has become hip." .
Some hardcore bowlers make up that group, but most are single men and women
looking to meet other single men and women. "It's one of the few sports where you
can drink at the same time and casually talk to people you're competing with," Erkes
said. "It's very social. That's what makes it such a fun sport."
,-
The ,owners of the new Lucky Strike, the bowling chain,that started in Hollywood
three years ago, set out to create a concept that rebuffed the stereotypical bowling
experience: crowded league nights, smelly shoes and sometimes poor service.
"We wanted to make it where it wasn't just about a game of bowling, but also a cool
place to hang out," said Scheid hauer, who grew up in Glen Ellyn but helped open the
Hollywood Lucky Strike.
Soon, the alleys were overrun with celebrities. Leonardo DiCaprio started hanging
out there. George Cloon'ey started hanging out there. Lucky Strike became a place to
be seen.
ATTACHMENT 1 - 12
"All of a sudden, we got up to four-hour waits on Friday and Saturday nights,"
Scheidhauer said. "A lot of times, people go in there knowing they're never going to
get a lane. They just like to hang out and have some cocktails." -
The Chicago Lucky Strike is the 11th in the chain (other locations include Denver, St. '
Louis, Pittsburgh, South Beach and Toronto). And, like at the others, it's more about
the lounging than the bowling. Once you enter the room--which is on the second
floor of the AMC River East theater complexuyou'd be hard-pressed to actually find
the lanes. The massive front area has a long bar, with several TV screens positioned
along the wall. There are several couches, suitable for conversing and sipping
cocktails. Next door, nine pool tables border another bar (two more pool tables are in
the back).
,
What about the bowling? You'll find 18 lanes tucked in the back of the club. Cost is
$3.95 a game - $6.95 after 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, which is when
Lucky Strike gets most of its business. It also costs $3.95 to rent shoes.
You won't find many hardcore bowlers, however. The people that frequent these
places are more alo'ng the lines of Britney Carlson, a 22-year-old Lincoln Park
resident who, along with five of her friends, rolled up into Lucky Strike on a recent
Saturday after taking in a movie at the AMC River East. According to Carlson, the
group came in for a post-movie cocktail but eventually ended up taking over one of
the lanes. "It's another way to spend time with your friends," a giggling Carlson said
after consecutive gutter balls. "You can hang out, drink and have a good time." '
Everybody else I talked to echoed Carlson. I didn't find one regular bowler at any of '
the bowling lounges, just a bunch people simply hanging out and having a few drinks.
It's the type of crowd that on weekends packs Seven Ten, which for 10 years went
by the name of Lucky Strike before the Hollywood lanes invaded town. "We've
always tried to get guys like me who aren't necessarily weekly bowlers," said owner
Steve Soble, who owns the other Seven Tens in Hyde Park and Elmhurst, as well as
Southport Lanes in Lakeview.
There are only eight lanes at,Seven Ten, which charges $20 an hour for a lane, no
matter how big your party is (it's half price on Mondays).
But this isn't about the bowling, remember.
"Let's face it - it's not your father's bowling alley," Soble said. "It's new, it's different.
We're trying to take bowling and put it into a new setting."
By Terry Armour Copyright @ 2005, Chicago Tribune
ATTACHMENT 1 - 13
Bowling coming in, theater on way out in downtown
, , .
Bellevue
Seattle Times, Dec. 21 -Bellevue's downtown pedestrian corridor, center of the city's growing
nightlife scene, is about to gain a bowling alley and lose a movie theater. ' .
An upscale, hipster bowling locale, Lucky Strike Lanes, is scheduled to open Dec. 30 at Lincoln
Square: It will be far from a traditional alley, with no leagues but two bars, a DJ booth and retro
lounge decor.
Just to the east, the new owners of the 8-year-old Bellevue Galleria are planning to replace the
11-screen theater with offices, a nod to the red-hot Bellevue office market. The theater's
departure would drastically overhaul the mall, which has at times struggled to keep tenants.
Both projects come to a downtown that is welcoming hundreds of new residents and workers, and
several high-profile businesses, including Microsoft, Eddie Bauer and Expedia. About 4,000
condos or apartments and 2 million square feet of office space are under construction, city
officials said. . .
With so many more people around, the nightlife is maturing to meet the demand, said Bob Derrick,
the citY's economic development director. The bowling alley joins two other nightspots that
opened this fall: the Spot Off Main neighborhood bar, near Main Street, and Vertigo nightclub, on
112th Avenue Northeast.
Lucky Strike will be a complement to the Parlor Billiards, a pool hall and bar that rakes in crowds
of 20- and 30-somethings on weekends, Derrick said. The Parlor is on the third floor of Lincoln
Square, just one floor up from Lucky Strike,
The bowling alley will be the first in downtown Bellevue in 15 years, with 12 public lanes,
including plasma screens displaying artwork and film clips. Companies and groups can rent out,
the private "Luxe" room, with a bar and four lanes.
During the day, the alley will be open to a general audience, including families and children's
parties, but after 8 p.m., it will be limited to patrons 21 and older. A bouncer will enforce a dress
code, including no men's hats or overly baggy clothing.
The Southem Califomia-based Lucky Strike chain is hoping to attract a cross-section of ages and
occupations, not just those who live or work downtown, said Franco D'Amico, general manager of
the Bellevue location.
"Bowling is the g'reat equaiizer between the CEO and the warehouse guy," D'Amico said.
Copyright (c) 2007, Seattle Times
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ATTACHMENT 1 -14
Thursday, July 17, 2003
Upscale bowling lounges are right up a younger
crowd's alley,
By KRISTIN DIZON
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
Seattle's newest nightclub is a three-story lounge where a DJ spins tunes and the
booths and bar stools are lit with candlelight,
It is also the first new bowling alley in Seattle in four decades.
Garage Bowl, which opened Monday, is'part of a makeover of America's everyman
sport,
Its 14 lanes aren't primed to attract serious
bowlers. Owners Alex and Jill Rosenast are after
a style-conscious, over-21 crowd that likes
nightlife ambience and upscale food with its pins
and lanes,
"We have surgeons from Swedish Hospital and
we have punk rock kids coming in, It's a great
mix of people," said Alex Rosenast, who bowls
about 20 times a year.
The couple, with managing partner Mike Bitondo,
converted a, cavernous brick building on
Broadway next to their Garage pool hall,
restaurant and bar. It started out in 1928 as a
Plymouth dealership, bLJt was most recently a
wholesale fish warehouse.
0,,"00'"' Gilbert W. Arias I P-I
The Garage Bowl is the newest local
"lounge" that offers urban hipster
bowling, which is more about
entertainment and atmosphere than
playing the game .
Their latest venture is probably not a bad bet when you consider that bowling is the
NO.1 participation sport in the country. More than 55 million people, or about 20
p!,!rcent of the population, bowled at least once last year, according to a study
sponsored by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.
Urban hipster bowling is more about entertainment and atmosphere than playing the
game. Such places are breathing a new kind of life into bowling.
Lucky Strike Lanes,a new chain of sleek bowling lounges with a nightc:lub feel,
opened its first lanes in Hollywood in May to good buzz and celebrity drop-ins. The
brainchild of Steven and Gillian Foster and partner Kevin Troy, founders of the
Jillian's sports bar chain, Lucky Strike showcases retro Americana style and an
upscale menu.
"Bowling has only been offered in an environment that hasn't changed much in 50
years, ' said Steven Foster. "Maybe the lights got brighter and the carpets got
cleaner, but there was nothing else new in the experience."
ATTACHMENT 1 - 15
"We'd love to put one in Seattle," Foster said. "In
the next two or three years, I could easily
envision 15 Lucky Strikes." ,
:,t. "\"
~O( ,- ~J
;N .'.,
Q.zoom Gilbert W. Arias I P;I
Garage Bowl employee Taryn Yaeger
reaches for a pair of shoes for a
customer who came to check out the '
, new lanes. There are now five bowling
centers in Seattle.
Lucky Strike will soon expand to Orange County
and Boston, and is scouting locations in other
. cities.
With the opening of Garage Bowl, there are now
five bowling centers in Seattle, and another 13 in '
the surrounding communities. That's quite a drop
from the 1960s when there were about 40 places
to bowl in the Seattle metro area, said Marv
Schmidt, vice president of the Greater Seattle
Bowling Association.
That1s also true across the United States. Bowling centers peaked around 1962,
, when there were approximately 10,000 of them with 157,000 lanes. Today, there
are about 6,000 c;enters with 120,000 lanes, said Jerry Schneider, spokesman for the
American Bowling Congress.
But there's good news for the sport: A large study found that.36.8 percent of kids
ages 6 to 17 bowl, and they make up bowling's fastest-growing clientele.
And, the numbers of casual bowlers out for fun have grown, taking the sting off of
declining league play.
In the late 70s and early '80s, when bowling reached its zenith, there were about 8
million league bowlers knocking the pins down. Today, there 'are less than 4 million
. league players, who spend an average of about $400 per year to bowl 100 to 125
games.
The reasons for the decline vary, but one is that many women who used to bowl in
daytime leagues have gone back to work. Another is that fewer people can or will
commit to a 30-plus week schedule. And there's more competition for people's
entertainment dollars and time. . .
At Sunset Bowl in Ballard, manager Veri Lowry says, about 700 people play in
leagues. They make up 35 percent of the center's bowling business, with 65 percent
coming from drop-in players. That's almost an exact flip-flop of their business 20 .
years ago, when leagues were king.
Like many bowling centers -- they no longer call themselves alleys -- Sunset Bowl
draws diverse patrons with extras like video games, a karaoke bar and a program for
kids to earn free games based on their report cards. They're also open 24 hours a
day, every day. "
Lowry said one of Sunset's best promotions ever was to create a kids' league and
give each player a SpongeBob bowling ball. '
other bowling alleys have brought in flashing lights and smoke, gambling card rooms,
pool, sophisticated menus and more. And many have diversified by offering
corporate and birthday parties.
ATTACHMENT 1 - 16
Part of bowling's popularity as a family activity or a date night or a group outing is its
accessibility. Players don't have to own their,own shoes or ball or even know how to
keep score.
"It can be played in July in Miami and January in Milwaukee," said Mike May,
spokesman for the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. "You don't have to be
a world-class athlete to bowl. You just have to be strong enough to lift the ball."
Rachel Barrett, 19, waiting for a lane at Sunset on a Friday night, said that's one of
bowling's charms.
"Everybody loves bowling. Even if you suck at it, you can get away with pretty much
anything," said Barrett, a college student.
Bowling, she said, is one of few nighttime activities for an underage adult who can't
go to most bars and clubs.
.
Her friend, David Braun, 22, sees a lot of people his age bowling.
"They play a lot of music. It's really geared toward younger people:' he said. "It's a'
really good way to have fun with your friends."
A~d it can be a good way to connect generations..
Aly Larson, 27, and John Klie, 34, enjoyed bowling with their parents when they
were kids. .
But the couple, the only people bowling on a Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Sunset, didn't
give it much thought until Larson's parents visited last year and they all bowled
together. They had such a good time that Larson and Klie bought their own shoes
and balls and now bowl once or twice a week.
"I don't doit because it's a sport. I do it because it's fun," Larson said.
"It beats sitting home on the couch," Klie added.
They said they'd probably try Garage Bowl sometime. And that kind of crossover
audience is fine for bowling. proprietors, who say there's room for everybody.
Sandy Hansell, a consultant to the bowling industry, says it's too early to tell how far
the upscale, urban bowling lounge trend will go.
"Itis certainly a hot thing now," said Hansell, who lives'in Michigan, part of the
"bowling belt." "You make it into a nightclub, a party place and it's more of a young
people's place." .
ATTACHMENT 1 - 17
BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
TEXT AMENDMENT OF THE (
SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT CODE (
(
Case Number: LRP2008-00010 (
FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND ORDER (
NATURE OF THE APPLICATION
A citizen has initiated a text amendment to the Springfield Development Code, Section
3.2-610 "Schedule of Categories" seeking to add "Bowling Alleys" to the list of permitted
recreational uses within the Mixed-Use Commercial zonirg district. Bowling alleys are
not currently a permitted use. -
1. The application conforms to the provisions of Section 5.4-105 of the Springfield
Development Code. Timely and sufficient notice of the public hearing, pursuant
to Section 5.2-115 of the Springfield Development Code was provided.
2. On September 2, 2008, a public hearing on the proposed text amendment to the
Springfield Development Code was held. The Development Services staff notes,
inciuding criteria of approval, findings, and recommendations, together with the
testimony and submittals of those persons testifying at the hearing or in writing,
have been considered and are part of the record of this proceeding.
CONCLUSION
The proposed text amendment is presented for approval as an amendment to the
Springfield Development Code', Section 3.2-610 "Schedule of Categories" adding
"Bowling Alleys" to the list of permitted recreational uses within the Mixed-Use
Commercial zoning district.
On the basis of this record, the requested text amendment to the Springfield
Development Code is consistent with the criteria of approval of Section 5.6-115 of the
Development Code. This general finding is supported by the specific findings of fact and
conclusion in the Staff Report that is attac~ed hereto.
RECOMMENDATION
It is RECOMMENDED by the Planning Commission of Springfield that Journal Number
LRP2000-00010, Amendment to the Springfield Development Code, (be approved) (be
approved with revisions) (be denied) (no action be taken at this time) by the Springfield
City Council.
Date Received: /i)~1 ~
Planner: _1 of2
Planning Commission Order
LRP2008-000JO
September 2, 2008
ATTACHMENT 2 - 1
This RECOMMENDATION was presented to and approved by the Planning Commission
on September 2, 2008.
. Planning Commission Chairperson
ATTEST:
AYES:
, NOES:'
. ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Planning Commission Order
LRP 2008-00010
September 2, 2008
Date Received:.i!!./z../UftJ~
PI~l!3roMM
ATTACHMENT 2 - 2