Proposed martini and wine bar met with skepticism over lack of parking

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An experienced bar owner wants to turn a vacant building in Enderly Park into a martini, wine and tapas bar. The building at 3131 Tuckaseegee Road would have a capacity for 83 people but only eight parking spaces.

"We are excited about providing jobs and economic mobility to the neighborhood," owner Kennedy Howard said. "We are excited about the project."

The lack of parking was met with criticism from Enderly Park neighbors. Resident Jon Littlepage said the community is in favor of the establishment but worries about the lack of a concrete plan for parking. Resident Daniel Pentecost believes the owners got ahead of themselves investing in a property without proper parking.

"We believe it will create parking issues in the neighborhood," Pentecost said.

Howard said they want to partner with Uber and Lyft to encourage ride shares as an alternative to driving. He said there is going to be a valet stand and the bar has received verbal commitments from a nearby business, church and convenience store for permission to park there.

Mayor Vi Lyles told Howard firm commitments for permission to park are a significant part of the discussion. Several council members encouraged Howard to get the commitments in writing.

Councilman Braxton Winston said given the nature of the business, less parking may be better.

"For an establishment that will be primarily centered around martinis and wine, there may be some wisdom to not having enough parking," Winston said.

Resident William Blueford, who has lived in the neighborhood for 55 years, said there has to be a solid parking plan if the bar is going to succeed in Enderly Park.

"Park where you are supposed to be parked," he said. "You don't jeopardize the neighborhood."

Plans also call for a privacy fence to block off the bar from the neighborhood. The Charlotte City Council will hold a vote in the coming months.

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