11/02/2006 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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` #1 Exiting signs on bldg #2 Signs on a unit Exist Levin 268 sq' Exist Levin 268 sq' Exist Sears 172 sq' Proposed sign 59.3 sq, Proposed mattress 59.3 sq, 327.3 sq' Total proposed 499.3 sq' Allowed on a unit 260 sq, Code allows on Bldg = 449 Variance on a unit 67.3 sq' Variance needed 50.3 sq' Mr. Kelleher, with the Sign Company and Mr. Gross the architect each came forward to be sworn in and address the request. Mr. Kelleher reviewed that Levin would be taking over the vacant space and a section of the space will be occupied by the mattress center. The mattress store sign will be 59.3 square feet which is smaller than the previous sign which was up. The sign will consist of a logo and individual illuminated letters. Mr. Maloney reviewed that the board received Planning & Design Commission recommendations pertaining to the proposed sign. The Planning & Design felt that the proposed sign would balance the appearance of the center. The sign is smaller than the previous sign and if the tenant was not paired with Levin they would be allowed a wall sign of their own. . They also felt that requiring everyone in the center to reconfigure their signs would place an undue burden on the plaza. Mr. Gross provided an elevation plan which showed the new colors of the plaza and how the sign would look in place. Mr. Rymarczyk advised that although the size of the proposed sign is smaller then what an individual tenant would be allowed the overall square footage of the building would still require a variance. The last tenant was denied a 60 square foot variance in 2005 and erected a 22 square foot sign. As this is a second wall sign for a business unit Levin could reduce the size of their main sign to bring both signs closer to code requirements. Mrs. Sergi questioned if the two businesses would have their own entrances. Mr. Gross said that the existing entrance would be removed and replaced with an emergency exist only. Mr. Burke asked if the owner looked at resizing the existing signs to comply with city codes. Mr. Gross said no the existing signs have been in place since the center was built and the third unit was added later. The mattress store is an addition to the Levin store not an additional store. The center is 360 feet long and the mattress sign is minimal. Mr. Burke did not agree that the mattress sign balanced the plaza. Mrs. Diver suggested removing some of the wording to decrease the amount of variances required or resizing existing signs. Mr. Gross reviewed that each letter is 16 '/4" high and the proposed wording is needed to identify that it is a separate entity. The tenant really wanted a larger sign then what is being proposed but was convinced to go with a smaller sign. Mr. Burke said that everyone wants larger, bigger and wider signs and the last tenant in is left with no square footage available for their sign and then the owners expect the city to just pass out variance after variance for their tenants. The fact is it is not a hardship as the existing signs can be resized to make sure the signs within the plaza meet city codes it is not the cities fault that the owners are not making sure their tenants follow city codes. Mr. Kelleher reviewed that the existing signs were installed in 1995 and at that time the signs met city code requirements. Mrs. Sergi asked for legal guidance pertaining to whether or not variances if granted continued to future tenants when tenants change. Mr. O'Malley reviewed what constitutes a variance being continued, grandfathered or eliminated. Mrs. Sergi voiced a frustration that there is currently a mattress center sign in the window and questioned if all window signs would be removed if the variances are granted. Mr. Gross said he did not know as he had not been to the site in a few months. Mr. Rymarczyk advised that window and temporary signs in windows are allowed by code. J. Maloney moved to approve Levin Furniture of 23250 Lorain Road their request for variance (1123.12), which consists of a new sign and the following variances are granted: 1. A 50.3 square foot variance total signage on a building, (see note #1),,(code permits 449 sq ft, applicant shows 499.3 sq ft), section (1163.24 (B)). 6