SELMA – A businessman who wanted to turn a portion of a former drug and alcohol rehabilitation center into a bar has been denied a special use permit.
Eric Edwards of Clayton requested the Selma Town Council issue him the required permit to operate a bar at the River Oak Commons Business and Social Venue at 1101 River Road.
The site was previously operated by the Day By Day Treatment Center until it closed several years ago.
Edwards said River Oak would be a combination of office and event venue rentals.
However, Mr. Edwards met with opposition to his plans for a bar he said would be used by businesses or others hosting an event at River Oak.
He envisioned the office rentals as a destination for business professionals from the area who would no longer have to travel to Raleigh to rent a small office space.
During the public hearing, Edwards also proposed plans for a “relation room for a massage.”
Susan Hartman, a local resident, said she was concerned about impaired drivers and more accidents on River Road. She said there were no sidewalks in the area and it could be a danger for pedestrians.
Councilwoman Susan Watson said, “I’m not crazy about the idea of a bar there.”
Councilwoman Amy West Whitley questioned the location of a bar next to a residential area.
A staff report raised concerns from the Selma Police Department stating the proposed bar would be next to a residential area and could result in increased call volume for loud noise or disturbances. The police department also questioned if River Oak would provide security during events to handle any unruly patrons.
A planning staff memo stated the business was not consistent with the goals and objectives of Selma’s Land Use Plan and would not be in harmony with surrounding residences.
Mr. Edwards said he understood the concerns but he had a vested interest and would manage everything. He felt the bar would mainly be used by attendees at events not from “outside interests” driving to River Oak specifically to have a drink.
The Town Council voted unanimously to deny the Special Use Permit.
That’s EXACTLY what the world needs…more bars.
Well,had it not been for a an “alleged” drunkards vote to shut it down in the first place,it would still be a treatment center. Do your homework and figure who it was.
I agree with not having a bar… but why is the Vault in downtown Selma allowed? Explain the difference to me…. I’m not against the Vault at all but why is this different?
It’s downtown. Not next to a subdivision. River road already has a lot of trouble too. Probably cops get called there more than any other place in town. I think I read that years ago.
I see the prudes have come out of the shadows. Good jon joco report!