A bar and video gambling business on Champlain St. doesn’t have the Ottawa City Council’s approval yet, but it looks like it will in two weeks. The Plan Commission recommended rejecting the zoning change at 1915 Champlain St., but the City Council rejected the recommendation last night. That’s not enough to change zoning; City Attorney Christina Cantlin says the city must vote on an ordinance for that.
People who live in the neighborhood say such a business is wrong for a mostly residential area.
Owner Katie Troccoli declined comment last night, citing her attorney’s advice. Critics of the business, Whistle Slots Neighborhood Pub and Gaming Parlor, say she started it and then went to City Hall for the approvals, although former mayor Bob Eschbach granted a liquor license.
As of last night, commissioners Wayne Eichelkraut, Tom Ganiere, and James Less are going Troccoli’s way, with Mayor Dan Aussem and Commissioner Marla Rodriguez opposing.