The Jacksonville Planning Commission has approved a zoning exception that allows Taverna restaurant in San Marco Square to expand into an adjoining retail space, according to our Jacksonville Daily Record news partner.
The exception approved Thursday permits the sale of all alcoholic beverages and the outside sale and service of food and all beverages.
The commission also approved a waiver of liquor distance from the required 500 feet to 345 feet from Southside Baptist Church and an administrative deviation to reduce the required parking spaces from 92 to 0.
Taverna, at 1988 San Marco Blvd., had similar applications approved in 2013.
Neighbors spoke Thursday against the applications, citing traffic and parking concerns. A San Marco Preservation Society board member spoke in support of the expansion.
Taverna presented a traffic study that supported the Planning Department’s recommendation for approval to the Planning Commission.
Representatives of the restaurant said Beachside Buggies plans to offer alternative transportation to the area in 2019.
An expanded version of this story that takes a look at other zoning exceptions granted by the commissionis at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
