Zoning board grants conditional use permit to Skyland Drive saloon

By Lynn Hotaling

Russell Lunn, who moved to Sylva from Daytona Beach, Fla., plans to open his Steel Horse Saloon and Eatery in early April, he said.

Sylva's zoning code requires that a conditional use permit be issued for any bar or lounge operating within the city limits, according to Sylva zoning administrator Jim Aust.

Conditions stipulated by the town's appointed zoning board were identical to recommendations presented in a Feb. 5 letter from Sylva Police Chief Jeff Jamison. Prior to opening for business, Lunn will be required to construct a 6-foot-high privacy fence; post signs that warn patrons against excessive motorcycle noise or display of gang colors; establish a "no parking" area that allows good visibility for vehicles exiting Raymond Street onto Skyland Drive; and observe quiet time after 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Sylva ordinances require quiet time after 11 p.m. every night, Aust said. Because the Steel Horse will be located near a residential area, zoning board members decided to impose a stricter standard.

Zoning board members voted unanimously to grant the permit, though Eldridge Painter, a member of the elected Sylva Town Board as well as the planning and zoning board, expressed some doubt.

"I've got some grave concerns about this, but since it's a conditional use I won't oppose it," Painter said. He later declined to reveal the nature of his concerns.

Several residents of the Allen Henson Circle/Chipper Curve Road area spoke in opposition to the planned bar during a Jan. 26 public hearing, Aust said, but no one voiced any opposition Tuesday.

Residents' concerns centered around potential noise from the proposed saloon, Aust said.

Lunn said he plans to operate his restaurant from noon until 2 a.m. seven days a week. The Steel Horse will be a family-oriented establishment, he said, and will feature occasional neighborhood cookouts and special events like NASCAR parties on Sundays.

"I've got a motorcycle motif, but I don't have motorcycle riders in mind," Lunn said.

The Steel Horse will offer beer, wine and deli-type sandwiches during a time when most Sylva restaurants are closed, Lunn said.

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