03/28/1995 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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not have the standard red roof. In reference to the other communities, Mr. Manning stated that North Olmsted is not other communities. Mr. Poston, Vice President of Auto Accents, questioned if this policy was in effect when Rally's was built because they have neon on their building. Mr. Manning was not on the Commission at that time. Mr. Yousef believed they are trying to improve the looks of the city and the city is trying to slow them down. Mr. Manning responded that the city grew so fast that it has several problems, now the various city bodies are trying to take their time in order to improve the community. Mr. Manning and Mr. Yousef discussed the problems of having a different store from the national look. Mr. Yousef stated that, if he does not get this look, he will not remodel his building, he will just paint more blue on the windows. Mr. Koeth stated that the Architectural Review Board had liked the revised proposal, but they did not like the neon. Mr. Yousef responded that they removed the graphics as requested by the A.R.B. and they are living within the code. He asked if the members would look at one of his stores: Mr. Manning agreed that this might look fine, but the city must draw the line, if one person puts in neon, another may put in something more gaudy. Mr. Yousef repeated that he did not intend to remodel the building or the parking lot if he could not get the national look of the other stores. He has spent a lot of money on the interior of the building and to have this look designed, but he will not spend more on the parking lot and drainage, if he cannot upgrade the building. Mr. Manning repeated that the painted stripe would give the same effect. Mr. Yousef stated that, if it is acceptable to the neighbors, they will leave the neon lit until 10:00 p.m., but if it is not, they will turn it off at closing. Mr. Schlauch stated that there is some exposed neon in North Olmsted and wondered why they are being made an exception; he mentioned the BP station, Rally's, and Tony Roma's. Mrs. O'Rourke responded that the Rally's and the BP station are the reason the city has become opposed to neon and Tony Roma's in is Great Northern, not next to a residential area. It was clarified that Tony Roma's would be coming before the Commission shortly for a renovation and Mr. Manning stated that they would be going through the same thing that he is. Mr. Yousef advised that, after this remodeling is done, they will be removing the pole sign before it is required to come down in 1998. Mr. Steffen, the neighbor to the rear, advised that he had been at most of the other meetings, and he did not choose to live in the other communities that Mr. Yousef mention, he chose North Olmsted. He agreed that Mr. Yousef has made some fine improvements to his property but he still does not want neon 45 feet from his properiy line and 42 feet from his street. He agreed that if neon is allowed her, there will be more requests and noted that the neon. on BP and Rally's was not adjacent to a residence. Mr. Yousef advised that his residence backed up to a Drug Mart and he understood what Mr. Steffen was saying. He stated that he did want to improve the property, but he hated to come before the city because it was always a fight. He asked if it would still be an issue if they turned off the neon at 6:00 p.m every night. Mr. Steffen stated that it would be. Mr. Yousef responded that.they probably would not do the remodeling. T. Manning moved refer Auto Accents, 25021 Lorain Road, the proposal to renovate building and add a large aluminum band on the north and west elevation of the building, to the B.Z.D. committee with the recommendation that, as all the other boards and commissions have agreed, that the neon not be included and that there only be a painted band around the building, seconded by R. Koeth, and unaniinously approved. 2) Marjak Development Co. Continuation of Olmsted Plaza at Fleharty and Lorain Roads. Proposal to replace existing single family home and existing commercial building with a new retail development. An assembly of lots will be required. Heard by board of zoning Appeals February 2, 1995. Referred by Planuing Commission om February 28, 1995. _ Heard by Architectural Review Board March 22, 1995. 2