With a three-one vote Monday afternoon, the Ottawa City Council grants a special use permit for One River Zen at 121 E. Prospect Ave. Most of the council members were satisfied that parking troubles will be minimized with a maximum of 15 vehicles at a time and only five of them on the street.
At the last city council meeting, a couple neighbors complained about traffic. But more neighbors showed their support yesterday, including Morgan Strow, who said it’s an improvement from a noisy bed-and-breakfast that used to be there. She says One River Zen founders Michael Brunner and Vanessa Roddam have been a peaceful presence.
Brunner is pleased with the outcome.
Commissioner Tom Ganiere voted no, after saying it seems like One River Zen has already been operating without a permit and more like a business than a religious service. Commissioner Marla Pearson was absent.
Michael Brunner
Vanessa Roddam