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remove churches and schools as special uses from commercial districts. Churches and schools could then only be placed in residential areas. Mattila showed slides of the site. Ron Ostenberg of the Jehovah’s Witnesses showed slides of similar Kingdom Halls in the area. Ostenberg said the proposed Kingdom Hall would be similar to the one in Maple Grove. Jim Thompson asked if the Planning Commission needed more information on the City Attorney’s opinion on the alcoholic beverage issue. Thompson reiterated the purpose of the liquor restrictions is to protect churches and schools from liquor uses, not vice versus. The potential that something might come in cannot be considered under the liquor code. That would not be a land use issue. Baker asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak at this public hearing. Blake Dahl, 188 - 17th Avenue SW, asked if the liquor license requirements outlined by Mr. Thompson, would be a problem for the Jehovah’s Witnesses building a Kingdom Hall. Dahl said he really did not understand Mr. Thompson’s explanation. Baker said the Planning Commission was concerned at its March meeting that, by granting the special use permit to a church, it would eliminate the possibility of the Wong’s restaurant from having a liquor license in the future. Baker explained Mr. Thompson said the issue would come under the liquor portion of the City Code, not under the land use provisions. The Planning Commission deals with land use, not other portions of the City Code. Ed Mishog, 5032 Madison Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, presented the redesigned plans. Mishog said it would be similar to the Maple Grove plan. Mishog said there could be some changes, but the plan would be pretty much as submitted. Baker said he was satisfied with the new plan. Robert Unger, 2731 Polk Street NE, a church member, said he had worked on many Kingdom Halls over the years and they put up a very nice building. The final project always enhances the community. Blake Dahl said the front elevation could be improved for access. Mishog said the Kingdom Hall would serve Northeast Minneapolis, St. Anthony, Columbia Heights, Fridley and New Brighton. The Columbia Heights congregation presently meets with New Brighton at a small Hall on Old Highway 8 and Highway 96. A new Hall with good parking is much needed. Zisla asked Staff how many extra parking spaces would the proposed church have. Mattila said the plan exceeds the number of parking spaces by 7 spaces (80 proposed, 73 stalls required). Members of the congregation described the difficulties in finding a two-acre lot in the area. Unger said there would be two congregations located in New Brighton. Sande asked about the construction schedule. Unger responded September would be the completion date. Site work would begin immediately.