A new bar called Tiki Lab could be going downtown after the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission on Thursday approved a zoning change for the property — though some community members spoke in opposition of allowing the business to open at that location.
The lot (407 East 3rd Street at the intersection with Crittenden Street) is currently empty and was rezoned from light industrial to central business.
Daniel and Maria Keaveney own the location. They said they don’t have an architectural plan for the business; however, they know they want to offer downtown visitors another place to go with their lounge-style venue.
“The intended business is probably about 50% alcohol[-centered]. We do plan to have bartender classes, we want to plan yoga meetings, we want to plan to have a food place, a gathering place — not just alcohol, but more of a place to gather,” Daniel said.
They also plan to bring more fresh juices and introduce new food to the city with their Las Vegas culinary and bartending background.
Both Daniel and Maria believe that since the location is only a few blocks from the Owensboro Bridge, it provides easy access to those coming into the city and would be something attractive as they cross the river.
However, community members claimed that there are negatives that would come with the implementation of the venue.
Some people in attendance were concerned about the venue’s ability to have parking, as there is the lot is less than .25 acres.
Local property owner Terry Woodward said that he was concerned that his location at Wax Works Inc. across Crittenden Street would become the main provider for parking aside from the few street parking spots nearby.
While Woodward said he would normally support a local business, he believes it also is not a prime spot for the bar, especially because of the proximity to Friends of Sinners and other rehabilitation services as well as First Baptist Church.
County Attorney Claud Porter said it would be up to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to decide if the distance between the location and the church is in violation of the policy.
Porter does not usually attend OMPC meetings; however, he was the acting legal representative in the meeting.
Carol Alvey, who lives next door to the property, said that she is not for the development as it will be attracting loud business to her neighborhood. She also provided a letter from the lead pastor at First Baptist Church stating their disagreement with the potential business being built on that lot.
Commissioners voted in favor to change the zoning in a 6-1 vote, with Fred Reeves casting the lone vote against.
