Concerns over zoning regulations and potential conflicts between commercial and residential areas in Great Falls have led to a complete review of that city's planning, with a public hearing on proposed new regulations set for Aug. 2.
A local group opposed to casino development--and casinos in general--had pushed for more restrictive laws, said Cascade County Tavern Association Executive Director John Hayes. However, after a three-year review by professional planners, the proposed regulations will not prohibit or restrict casino development in commercial areas, he added.
interim zoning ordinances have prevented the moving of beverage licenses within the city for the past two years, Hayes noted. Adoption of the new regulations will allow for normal movement once again.
At the same time, the proposed regulations do contain provisions related to signage and landscaping, and will provide establishments "a little more opportunity to look nicer," Hayes said. Specifically, the provisions will restrict some kinds of signs and require a certain amount of landscaping.
Meanwhile, many Great Falls casino owners have voluntarily removed some signs--in some cases removing the word "casino" from their premises entirely, said Hayes.
While those who oppose casinos in general didn't get all they wanted, he added, "I think we've come to a pretty amiable agreement with them. We met with them one-on-one for the last two years, and have ironed out a lot of our differences."
Many of those who fought casino development and signage simply want "to see gaming go away," Hayes noted. During two long hearings on proposed changes to city zoning ordinances, casino opponents brought in numerous psychologists, psychiatrists and others to testify on the alleged problems caused by casinos.
"They gave it their very very very best shot," he said.
"They believe it's a moral issue and we have to contend with that be sensitive to it, but you know, we try hard to be good neighbors, and behave like good neighbors. And we've bent over backwards to make things better for Great Falls."
Professional consultants brought in by the city reviewed zoning ordinances that were some six decades old, said Hayes. They provided ample suggestions on how to structure residential and commercial districts and utilize buffer zones to reduce conflicts between businesses and residences, he added.
"As far as they (the consultants) were concerned, they would treat the gaming and the tavern industry like any other commercial business," he said. "A business is a business, and you can't deny a business the opportunity of operating in the city."
Hayes hopes that the process has helped convince both casino opponents and the public in general that tavern and casino owners are responsible, cooperative and responsive citizens.
"If you're worried about what things look like, come and talk to us. You don't need a law," Hayes said.
"I think we've made such inroads with these people," he added. "We're part of the solution. We're not the problem."
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, August, 2005, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.