DES MOINES, Iowa — The future of the former Spaghetti Works space in downtown Des Moines is still up in the air.
At a meeting Wednesday, the Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously struck down Larry Smithson's proposal to turn the building into a new bar.
Smithson, who owns several local bars, requested a conditional use permit to convert the space. That request was met with heavy opposition, both from the board and members of the public.
Before the vote, nearly a dozen residents defended their opposition, expressing concerns with the level of noise and activity that comes with adding another bar downtown.
"We don't need any more bars down on Court Avenue. We have enough noise. We have enough bars," said downtown resident Dan Schaefer. "We need family restaurants and other family entertainment."
Kathy Smith, who lives just a few blocks away from Court Avenue, shared similar thoughts.
"What we really need is another family restaurant, similar to what Spaghetti Works was, especially when we have all the high school tournaments," she said. "They need a place to eat as a group that's not terribly expensive."
Smithson told the board that his plan would include a simple food menu and fun entertainment offerings, like "giant yard pong" and large screen TVs.
But members of the board felt that there were safety concerns for neighboring residents. Des Moines police said they've received 745 calls to the area this year, with 69 of those resulting in arrests.
"I've been on Court Avenue at 2 a.m. doing a police ride along, and I can't tell you how embarrassed I was with what I saw and what our police had to put up with and what they had to do," said board member Mel Pins.
Moving forward, Smithson now has two choices. He can appeal the decision to the district court in Polk County, or wait a full year and reapply.
The space at 310 Court Ave. is still up for sale.