Scooters Coffee Shop Possibility Given Significant Attention at Zoning Appeal Meeting

The request was made to install banners on the campuses of Jasper Elementary, Jasper Middle School, and Jasper High School. The banners, five per school, will be hung on existing poles that are on school grounds to showcase school spirit and tie the schools together. The designs will be finalized at a later time, but will retain the school colors and will not exceed 28 x 60 inches. A suggestion was made by the board to reinforce the signage on poles so that they would not pose a danger to street traffic during high winds, which is currently a concern on the Vincennes University campus. One local resident requested that conditions be made for signage no greater than the currently proposed sizes, color schemes as represented, and at their currently proposed locations. The board confirmed that this would be the case. Vice Chairman Anthony Seng reiterated that the board’s concern is to be sure that the new installation does not create a sight and visibility issue, so signs will be set at a minimum of 8 ½ feet in height. With these considerations in place, the motion was passed by the board.

In addition to regular business that included several allowances for building additions and modifications, the board heard from engineer Jim Morley, Jr., of Morley Corp, who requested allowance for a drive-in coffee shop on Newton. The site, just south of Subway, is currently being used as a commercial site. Morley’s proposal suggests converting the existing space for use as a Scooters coffee shop. Scooters is a national chain, fully drive-through, coffee shop. The current plans will actually increase the amount of green space there, as the lot is now covered primarily in asphalt. The existing building will be replaced with one that has a smaller footprint, and the asphalt that currently covers the rest of the property will be replaced with a drive- through lane next to the building and grass throughout the rest of the property. A letter was submitted to be read into the record by the owner of a neighboring property that raised concerns about traffic, noise, and an “unsightly” dumpster. Morley assured the board that these concerns will be addressed in the plans. The board agreed that the proposal to convert the space from its current commercial use could be accomplished with attention to residents’ concerns, granting the request. 

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