Jackson residents to learn more about nightclub proposal Monday

A public hearing in Jackson Monday will allow residents to learn more about a proposed nightclub and voice any concerns they may have before aldermen vote on whether to grant the nightclub a special-use permit.

The nightclub would be on Old Orchard Road, in the former Wm. Nobbe & Co. John Deere dealership location. The area is zoned for commercial property, which means retail, general service or repair businesses.

"Our zoning code does not specifically list nightclubs or bars as a use in any of our zoning districts," said Janet Sanders, building and planning superintendent for Jackson.

Sanders said she supports the granting of the permit and said the location is ideal for the club because it is close to Cape Girardeau and not close to a residential area.

The nightclub is the idea of professional lighting designer Jonny Tosarello, who has worked with a variety of nationally known musical acts, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, Paul McCartney and the Dixie Chicks. Tosarello said he would like the club to be a "multifaceted entertainment venue" featuring live music with professional staging, lighting and sound. In addition to liquor, his club would also serve cold food.

He said his club would have a respectful atmosphere and that families would be welcome during the day and early evening. Rowdy, inappropriate behavior would not be tolerated, he added.

Mayor Barbara Lohr said she supports the idea of a nightclub in the area.

"The person applying for the special-use permit seems to be pretty experienced in the entertainment venues," she said. "I think the location is good and should attract people from both Cape and Jackson as well as people off the interstate so it could bring more business into Jackson. It might also make people more aware of that area for other business sites."

While some residents have expressed concern over bringing a nightclub to the area, Jackson police chief James Humphreys said he is withholding judgment until he meets with Tosarello. Humphreys said the city has establishments that provide entertainment and serve alcohol and do not present problems for his department, but he does not know a lot about the proposed club. He will attend Monday's public hearing to learn more about operations at the club and its security plan.

"A real comprehensive security plan can prevent a lot of problems before we're even involved," Humphreys said.

Tosarello said he has a good security plan and has been talking to his contacts within the touring industry to make the plan stronger. Like Humphreys, he said a good plan can prevent a lot of problems.

The public hearing will be at 7:30 Monday at Jackson City Hall.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent address:

2990 Old Orchard Road, Jackson, MO

101 Court St., Jackson, MO