SHELBY – Shelby City Council passed the first reading of an ordinance designed to pave the way for a miniature golf course to come to Shelby.
Council unanimously passed the first reading of Ordinance 5-2016, designed to amend the conditionally permitted uses of one of Shelby’s business districts.
Currently the ordinance states that in the B-2 central business district, recreational activities may include a motion picture theater, bowling, billiards and pool, skating rinks, and similar recreational activities when conducted indoors.
Project Coordinator Joe Gies explained that by simply adding the language “and/or outdoors” to the end of the ordinance, it could provide for a mini-golf course.
“It would be conditionally permitted, meaning it would have to go back through the Planning Committee,” Gies explained. “But that is the only addition to the ordinance.”
The request to change the wording came from CPA Brian Crum, owner of Crum Investments, LLC located in Shelby. Crum requested to the zoning of the property at 22 and 24 Church St. to add the “outdoors” stipulation. The Shelby City Planning Committee unanimously approved the request during their Feb. 23 meeting.
Crum explained in a letter dated Feb. 16 that he would like to install a “prefabricated miniature golf course” on the lot at the Church St. address as an attraction for the residents of Shelby and the surrounding area.
“While the city has many beautiful parks, a swimming pool and plenty of dining options, I believe that this project will be an option for families to have some inexpensive entertainment without having to travel out of the city,” Crum stated in his letter. “I also hope to bring some family-friendly evening entertainment to the downtown area.”
Crum is the leader of the local Boy Scout troop and the youth group at First Lutheran Church, and said he has heard many times from both youth and adults that Shelby is lacking in entertainment options. Neighboring the potential mini-golf course is the First United Church of Christ directly across the street, as well as Paul’s Drive In.
Long-time residents of Shelby may remember the miniature golf course previously located on North Gamble Street adjacent to the drive-in. Crum plans on constructing his miniature golf course in similar fashion, where players play around obstacles in the course. He noted the “retro” feel will fit well with the course’s neighbor, Paul’s Drive In.
“The course will fit into the area better than an extravagant course, and the cost of manufacturing is significantly less so it will be a more affordable option for the city residents,” Crum said.
In addition to installing a miniature golf course, Crum plans to add concrete sidewalks between the holes, decorative light posts for evening play, and landscaping. He plans to install tall bushes along the west and north end of the course to separate it from the railroad and bridge, as well as a small decorative fence along the street and parking lot to block stray golf balls.
Crum also has plans for the building currently located on the property, planning to turn it into the sales counter as well as a place for vintage arcade games and pinball machines. Adding to the vintage theme, Crum also plans to sell soda in glass bottles.
“The building will have several tables in it for patrons to gather and I would like to put some benches around the course and some picnic tables outside for people to enjoy the atmosphere,” Crum said.
