Owners of what could be Carbondale’s newest club say they are working to reach an agreement with the city over concerns of safety and parking.

At the March 17 meeting of the Carbondale City Council, the Liquor Control Commission denied a transfer of a Class B2 liquor license to the new owners of the building that formerly housed Smil’in Jacks, 760 E. Grand Ave.

The Commission, comprised of the members of the city council, said they felt the parking at the Lewis Park Mall is no longer adequate for the area. The decision was based on a history of parking problems in the area.

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Thad Moore, co-owner of the new business, said his team is in negotiations with the city to reach an agreement on parking.

City Councilman John Budslick said he was unaware of any such negotiations but said the commission’s decision was more than just a parking issue. Budslick said there was concern by the commission over the ability of ambulances and police to reach the area if there is an emergency.

Above the parking issue we must consider the safety of the public, Budslick said. We must look at the safety factors.

Despite the March 17 decision, Moore said ideas for the new club are being generated and construction on the building will continue. At this point, Moore and co-owner Joe Mitan plan to open an upscale nightclub and sports bar.

Though the two are still undecided on a name for the nightclub, the sports bar will be called Coach’s Sports Bar.

The sports bar will feature several televisions and will be adorned with sports memorabilia that Moore said he and Mitan have been collecting for several months.

Chasers and Club Viva have been considered for names of the nightclub, but nothing is concrete.

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We are just waiting for the right one to come up, Moore said.