7 Brew returning to council after P&Z Commission's 3rd rejection

Springfield City Council again will weigh in on a proposed 7 Brew Coffee shop after a third rejection by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Bob Hosmer, planning manager for the city, said council is scheduled to hear the P&Z Commission's recommendation for denial during a Nov. 14 public hearing. A second reading and final action would occur at council's Nov. 28 meeting, assuming no postponements or other delays occur, he said.

The P&Z Commission at its Oct. 6 meeting voted 5-1 against a conditional use permit for the proposed development at Sunshine Street and Jefferson Avenue, Hosmer said.

"A majority [of] the members expressed that they were not against development, per se, but they wanted the correct intensity of development at this location, which is directly adjacent to residential uses," he said via email. "Members stated that protection of our existing residential neighborhoods is a prime concern."

After the P&Z Commission denied recommending the project for the second time, council at its July 25 meeting approved a zoning change but denied a conditional-use permit to allow drive-thru service for the 7 Brew shop, according to past reporting. The acre corner lot was rezoned to a limited business district from single-family residential.

The P&Z Commission's Oct. 6 agenda shows development group Reding Management LLC and Redec LLC, owned by Royce Reding, had made concessions in an attempt to win the favor of nearby residents and the city. The applicant has offered to limit the hours of operation and place outdoor music speakers away from residential properties, according to the meeting agenda.

The 7 Brew has been proposed as a three-lane, drive-thru coffee shop, according to past reporting.