BILLINGS – The Billings City Council pushed back a decision Monday on whether to allow the Alberta Bair Theater to add a new plaza in the street on Third Avenue North.
After a public meeting at its Monday meeting, the Council directed city staff to take a second look at the proposal, which would take away four downtown parking spots on Third Avenue North.
Alberta Bair had been granted expanded right-of-way in 2016 of its current footprint at 2801 Third Ave. N., which didn’t include the expanded plaza.
City staff had recommended denying an encroachment permit for the theater for several reasons, most notably its impact on both driving and parking lanes near the theater.
Instead, the council approved a substitute motion delaying consideration no later than Dec.17 for further study by city staff.
A representative with Sanderson and Stewart, the theater’s design firm, explained the expansion shown in the designs on the Third Avenue North side of the theater, focusing on the fact that it will create more space for pedestrian safety.
