Planning Commission rejects site plans for Hooters restaurant

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The Mount Pleasant Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to reject site plans for a Hooters restaurant at the proposed location of 1329 S. Mission St.

“The site plan does not protect the neighborhood, regardless of whether Hooters is good or bad (for the community),” said Jeff Smith, a Planning Commission member.

The proposed site for the Hooters restaurant is located in front of a residential area. Community members voiced concerns about its close proximity to their homes.

“It’s impossible to comply with a special use permit (to serve alcohol), and have it not adversely affect the neighborhood,” said David Jesuit, associate professor of political science.

Jesuit visited the sites of two other Hooters locations in Bay City and Traverse City and brought his findings before the Planning Commission on Thursday.

The Traverse City location had almost 300 feet of property separating it from the nearest residential area, he said.

“This included both a set of railroad tracks and a bike path,” Jesuit said.

He said the proposed location on Mission Street is only 62 feet from his neighborhood.

“This came down to an issue of proximity,” Jesuit said. “I thought it was important to demonstrate to the Planning Commission that the Mount Pleasant location was much different.”

Other community members voiced concerns about Hooters’ late-night business hours and the noise that would come from Dumpsters being emptied at closing time and car doors slamming as late as 1 a.m.

Resident Donna Barker shared her concerns about alcohol being served at the restaurant and violent situations that could develop as a result.

“The sale of alcohol has a risk involved with it. By allowing a special use permit to allow them to serve alcohol, it adds to the risk level in our neighborhood,” she said.

Art Dore, developer of the proposed restaurant, said he tried his best to address neighborhood concerns.

“You all bought homes next to a commercial area. Any business that goes in there will increase traffic,” he said.

Dore said he was aware of noise ordinances in Mount Pleasant, and that he planned to comply with current regulations. His restaurant would have only background music – no live bands or “big parties,” he said.

Dore said his existing Hooters restaurants in Traverse City and Bay City are family-oriented and 85 percent of all revenue comes from the sale of food.

“It’s not all just single guys drinking,” he said.

Although Hooters was not approved at the proposed Mission Street location, the Planning Commission has not shut the door on possibilities of the restaurant opening at a different Mount Pleasant site.

“The city of Mount Pleasant is not against Mr. Dore coming to town,” said Jeff Jakeway, Planning Commission member. “We just don’t think it should be at this location.”

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