Jackson Board of Aldermen set public hearing on proposed nightclub, other issues

A lighting designer for Lynryd Skynrd's concerts wants to bring a nightclub to Jackson.

Jon R. Tosarello, the lighting designer for Lynyrd Skynyrd's current tour, wants to open what he calls a "multifaceted entertainment venue" near the former W.M. Nobbe John Deere dealer property on Old Orchard Road. The club would feature live music with full stage lighting and sound systems. In addition to offering a showcase for local musicians, Tosarello said he would like to host charity benefits and fundraisers at his club.

Tosarello lives in Chicago but plans to relocate to Jackson once the club is open.

Because the area is zoned as a general commercial area and the special-use permit would allow the nightclub to operate and have a full liquor license and sell cold food items.

At its meeting Monday night, the Jackson Board of Aldermen set a date for a public hearing to discuss special-use permits for the club as well as proposed tax rates and advertising at a baseball park.

Tosarello said he will be at the public hearing, set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16, and welcomes the opportunity to talk with residents about his plan for the venue. He said he would like to begin construction by October, with a grand opening in November.

The tax rates to be discussed are the 2010 parks and recreation, general revenue, cemetery and band tax rates, and the 2010 library tax rate. Assistant city manager Larry Koening said he did not know what the tax rate will be, but he hoped to know by the next aldermen meeting, which is scheduled for Aug. 2.

The public hearing will also consider allowing a privately owned baseball field special exemptions regarding signage. The field's zoning area does not allow outdoor advertising and the special permit would allow the Jackson Area Baseball Association to feature signs above its scoreboard and other field areas that display the names of its sponsors.

Also at the meeting, the board agreed to form a committee to plan the city's next Fourth of July celebration. Aldermen agreed that while past celebrations have been good, it was time to look at expanding the city's fireworks display and adding more daytime events. Aldermen Larry Cunningham suggested that mud volleyball and a beer garden be reintroduced to the city's celebration.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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2990 Old Orchard Road, Jackson, Mo.

425 E. Deerwood Dr., Jackson, Mo.