Moses Lake city council looks to amend industrial zone

MOSES LAKE - Just weeks after moving into a brand new space to accommodate its growing numbers, Freedom Wrestling Academy feared it might have to shut its doors.

A complaint about the academy not complying with zoning restrictions of the Moses Lake Industrial Park trickled down to the office of community development director Gilbert Alvarado.

Freedom Wrestling Academy's new building - a warehouse located on Debonair Street - is part of the Moses Lake Industrial Park and the zoning requirements restricted what types of businesses could operate in that area.

"It was a mess," Jerry Janke said. "It was an insulation place and we had to go in there and tear that thing down outside and inside. We've got a lot of money invested in that and we had our grand opening. We were so proud of it and then here comes the word. 'You can't be there. You're not in the right zone.'"

The zoning restrictions have caused a hang up in Freedom Wrestling Academy's ability to receive a city business license.

However - in a meeting last week - Melba Janke, who's sons coach at the academy, pointed out to Alvarado that similar businesses such as a dance studio and Freewind Martial Arts have operated in the industrial park.

After walking through the establishment, Alvarado suggested bringing the issue before city council to see if the zone could be amended. No decision was made at last night's council meeting, but it looks as though Alvarado's staff will draft a proposal to bring to the city council to amend the industrial zone.

"It sounds like they're on board trying to get it changed ... Changing the whole industrial park," Mark Janke said. "That's what I heard ... It sounds good."

The council chambers were filled to capacity as several representatives from the wrestling academy and other youth sports came to show support for their causes.

Moses Lake High School wrestlers Nick Hara. Clayton Clark, Chase Clasen, Jose Garcia, Cooper McCullough and Nico Hernandez were also in attendance.

A handful of youth wrestlers were also on hand and sat on the floor in front of the council as Jerry explained the situation the academy is in.

Freedom Wrestling Academy is entering its third year of operation and has secured corporate sponsorship from Royal City business owner Dain Craver.

Craver's donation helped get the new location up and running. As its following grows, Freedom Wrestling Academy hopes to cater to those from all around the Basin.

First, the building must meet all zoning requirements.

"You should take a walk through, it's rather impressive the work that's been done." Alvarado said. "Commend the contractors on that work. Looks great. Couple of things that are still yet to happen we'll work through, but all of that is contingent upon whether the council wants to direct staff to look at changing that zoning district."

So far, Freedom Wrestling Academy has continued to be operational as the quest to amend the zone and receive a business license has moved forward.

Mayor Dick Deane directed Alvarado and his staff to return to council with a proposal to amend the zoning requirements for the Moses Lake Industrial Park and, for all intents and purposes, it looks as if Freedom Wrestling Academy has cleared its biggest hurdle in regards to remaining at its current location.