Developer wants to convert old library building along Grant Street into neighborhood bar

The old city library at 2211 Grant Street, Bettendorf, would be converted into a bar under a development plan to go before the planning and zoning commission Wednesday (June 21).

The developer, EPH LLC, has already obtained a variance from the city's board of adjustment for an outdoor patio with alcohol service (outdoor music on the patio is prohibited until adjacent properties are no longer of residential use).

The developer also is asking the city and commission to allow far fewer off-street parking spaces than required by city code. Only 32 off-street parking spaces are planned, but a bar with 3,500 square feet normally would require 70 off-street parking spaces.

A recent ordinance change permits the city council to half parking requirements (35 spaces) in the special downtown overlay district. Assistant City Administrator Jeff Reiter even appeared before the board of adjustment in February to voice support for allowing fewer parking spaces, saying the business could direct overflow parking to the city lot behind the community center directly across Grant Street.

"Additional parking to the north at the Bettendorf Community Center is being offered by the city to accommodate any overflow parking requirements," the planning and zoning commission report stated.

The commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.

CLICK HERE to download the commission packet with information about the old library conversion.