08/02/2007 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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N. Sergi moved to approve Westfield Shopping Town- Great Northern iVIall of 4954 Great Northern Slvcl. their request for variance (1123.12), which consists of a temporary Windshield repair service and the following variance is granted as amended: A variance for obstructing required parking (24 spaces), (code does not permit applieant shows 24 spaees 13 landlocked), For 30 days from the Safety Director granting the applicant a permit and the business will be open 11:00 am thru 7:00 pm. Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 section (1161.03). R. Menser seconded roll call on the motion: M. Divea-, R. Menser, N. Sergi, A. Walliamson yes, T. Kelly no, variance granted as amended 4-1. 2. Brue2ger Ba2el's; 27045 Lorain lZoad: (WRD # 4) Request for variance (1123.12). The proposal consists of new signs. The following variances are requested: 1). A variance for 3 additional ground signs on a lot (note 1), (code permits 1 applicant shows 4), section (1163.25 (a)). 2). A 150 foot variance for ground sign too close to each other (note 2), (code requires 200' applicant show 50'), section (1163.25 (a)). 3). A variance for 12 parking spaces, (code requires 30, applicant shows 18), section (1161.05 (r)). Whicli is in violation of Ord. 90-125 sections (1163.26 (a)) and (1161.05 (r)). Note: 1) Includes monument sign 2 directional signs, and menu board. 2). All ground signs too close, closest being 50' apart (directional signs & monument sign). Mr. Conway advised the board that there was a miscalculation on the number of parking spaces as the applicant shows there are 18 spaces only which requires a variance for 12 parking spaces. Mr. Boyle the architect and Mr. Thomas an abutting neighbor each came forward to be sworn in and address the request. Mr. Boyle said they are a first class establishment and want to be upfront with the city as to what they are doing inside and out. Their variances are needed to replace the existing ground signs at the site. The new monument sign will be an improvement from the existing sign and meet square footage requirements. The ground signs consist of 2 directional signs, a inonument sign and a menu board. The placement and distance between the signs are the same as the existing signs are now. The parking is due to the additional indoor seating and the outdoor seating eliminating landbanked parking spaces. They would lilce outdoor seating (12 seats) to give the area a more upscale appearance. Having an outdoor area creates an atmosphere that is warm and inviting. Most of the indoor tables are 4 top tables and for the most part there are only one or two people at a table which means there are not 4 seats being utilized. Mrs. Sergi asked if the outdoor' seating was along Lorain Road and if the seating area would be paved. Mr. Boyle reviewed that the existing seating area would be used but the brick pavers would be power washed. Mrs. Diver asked why the inside seating exceeds what is required. Mr. Boyle reviewed that by code they are required 36 indoor seats but would like to have 47 indoor and 12 outdoor seats. Mr. Thomas reviewed that his family owned the parking lot to the east as well as the strip center to the west and he was present to address the parking variance requested. Although they welcome the new company they have had problems with employees from the previous bagel shop parking in their leased parking lot. They understand that businesses can not control where their customers parlc 'and those customers who park on their lot are there for 30 to 60 minutes of a little longer if there is'free WiFi access. However when employees park on their lot it eliminates parking spaces for 4 to 8 hours depending on the shift. They have a towing policy which they do not like to enforce`as most of the employees are young part-time students, but if the employees park on their lot they will have to enforce their towing policy. That is why he respectfully request that if the board grants the applicant a parking variance they make it contingent upon 4 parking spaces being markecl`for employees only. He also mentioned that Planning requested the fence be fixed and he 5