April 24, 2024
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Utica spurns western wear store

Planning Commission reverses earlier support over liquor concerns

By Tom Collins
Utica Mayor David Stewart (right) shakes hands with newly-sworn Planning Commissioner Mark MacKay, who will fill one of two openings on the Utica Planning Commission.

Utica Mayor David Stewart (right) shakes hands Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, with newly-sworn Planning Commissioner Mark MacKay, who will fill one of two openings on the Utica Planning Commission. (Tom Collins)

Utica might not be getting a western apparel store, after all.

On Thursday, the Utica Planning Commission and Village Board cast separate votes denying a proposal by the owners of Western Cattle Company Factory Outlet, which proposed moving from Peru to the former Mill Street Market. The sticking point this time was a proposal to sell packaged liquor along with hats and boots.

“Not only is it overkill,” Trustee Jim Schrader said, noting how much liquor already is available in Utica, “but the business just doesn’t make sense to me.”

A rendering of facade improvements to 130 Mill St. in Utica (the former Mill Street Market), once it becomes Thursday, the Western Cattle Company Factory Outlet.

Earlier this summer it looked as if the store was a go. In July, the Utica Planning Commission recommended approval of petitions, which were sent back to the drawing board after an issue arose concerning food sales. (submitted photo)

Schrader joined a 4-2 vote to deny, with Trustees John Schweickert and Kylie Mattioda breaking with the board to support the petition.

Earlier this summer it looked as if the store was a go. In July, the Utica Planning Commission recommended approval of petitions, which were sent back to the drawing board after an issue arose concerning food sales.

Thursday, the Planning Commission reversed its support and voted 2-1 against the petition. Planning Commissioner Doug Gift favored bringing apparel into Utica but Commissioners Mike Brown and Andy Skoog opposed more package liquor sales.

“This (petition) has changed numerous times,” Skoog said, adding later, “This thing has been a mess since Day 1.”

After the votes, petitioner Robert Martens told the board, “Thank you,” but then left the building immediately without comment.

In other matters, the board:

  • Agreed to kick in a $5,000 share to pursue regional passenger rail service.
  • Installed Mark MacKay as the newest member of the Planning Commission
  • Approved the budget for the annual Christmas in the Village on Nov. 26-27