A bar featuring vintage pinball machines was among four business petitions* approved by the Maplewood Planning and Zoning Commission during a meeting on Monday night.

Michael Stivers sought a permit to open the bar on the corner of Sutton Boulevard and Hazel Avenue, in the building that previously housed Cooperella Cafe and House of Art. His business will feature a limited menu, a full service bar, two Skee ball lanes  and several pinball machines.

Stivers hopes to start a competitive Skee ball league with small teams, seasons, statistics and prizes. While more popular on the East Coast, the concept has made it's way to the Midwest. One other league exists in St. Louis, which doesn't bother Stivers. 

"Ok, I'm not the first, but I'll be the second. I don't think it will be a problem," Stivers said during the meeting.

Stivers' main concern is providing a full awning for the patio and placing bamboo between the patio and a privacy fence to create a sound barrier to protect neighborhood residents from noise.

Sam Harris and Dustin Pulley, two friends wanting to share a common space at 2803 S. Big Bend Blvd for two auto-related businesses, were also in attendance. They hope to open Touch of Class Auto Detailing and Tint Tech, a window tinting shop for homes, businesses and vehicles.

Commission members were concerned about available parking space because there's no residential street parking; only a small parking lot.

Harris said an auto shop existed at the site more than a year ago and never had an issue with parking.

"It can fit six or eight cars inside," Harris said. "You can fit maybe four cars in the front and four in the back." The commission later granted his request.

Representatives for Home Wine Kitchen were not in attendance but the wine bar's permit still gained approval from the commission. It will be headed up by chef Cassandra Vires and feature upscale comfort food in the location that housed Nosh, which closed earlier this year. 

The Maplewood City Council is expected to vote on the permits at its May 10 meeting. Each permit requires preliminary and final approval over two council meetings.

*A clarification was added to more accurately illustrate the role of the Maplewood Planning and Zoning Commission.