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BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS <br />CITY OF NORTH OLMSTEI) <br />MEETING 1VIINLT'TES OF MARCH 5, 2009 <br />ROI,L CALL <br />Mrs. Diver called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm in Council Chambers. <br />Present: Maureen Diver, Nancy Sergi, Laura Bellido, Jennifer Rudolph <br />Staff: Assistant Law Director Bryan O'Malley, Assistant Building Commissioner Dale <br />Mitchell, Clerlc of Commissions Donna Rote <br />REVIEW AlvD CORItECTION OF 1VIINUTES <br />Ms. Rudolph moved, seconded by 1VIrs. Bellido, to approve the February 5, 2009 Board of <br />Zoning Appeals mintates which were unanimously approved 4-0. <br />N0N-RE5IDENTIAI. APPEALS AND REQUESTS: <br />Mrs. Diver recused herself from discussing the applicant's request and turned the meeting over <br />to Vice Chair Sergi. <br />Carneaie 1VIana2emetet & Development; 25102 Srookpark I2oael: <br />Request for variance. The proposal consists of signage. The following variance is requested: <br />A 20 square foot variance for a teinporary real estate ground sign larger than code allows; code <br />pei7nits 12 sq ft, sign is 32 sq ft, which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 section 1163.34 (B)(1)(c). <br />Stephanie Cieszkowslci and Tom West with Cresco Real Estate were sworn in. Mr. West said <br />the sign was designed to meet codes in place last year which have since been changed. They <br />were notified by a building inspector last month of the changes. The Towne Center has a large <br />amount of available office space on the second floor of the retail building. It talces time to fill <br />and with the current economy it is talcing longer than usual. The existing 32 square foot sign <br />which was installed was instruinental to attracting the potential tenants they are in negotiations <br />with now. A tenant in negotiations said they would not have known to loolc for office space <br />along Brookparlc Road if not for the sign. The sign is needed for a few more months. Ms. <br />Cieszlcowslci said they properly maintain their signs, which are a large part of their marlceting. <br />Ms. Rudolph noted that the sign at the site loolced to be a double sided sign. Mr. West said the <br />sign is currently in place and is a 4'x 8' winged/V sign to ensure visiUility and stability. Ms. <br />Cieszlcowslci said that they only try to seelc variances in cases which they believe following the <br />code would be detriinental to reaching possible tenants. Mr. West said most neighboring cities <br />can offer this amount of space and their sign codes are not as restrictive. Mrs. Sergi questioned <br />if there were any other methods being used to advertise the space available. Mr. West said they <br />use their website, Crain's Magazine and the Plain Dealer. Ms. Cieszkowski said they also use <br />Sinart Business Magazine, e-mail blasts, and other computer methods but their biggest selling <br />point is their signs. Mr. West reiterated they have a number of inethods they use to bring in <br />businesses outside of temporary signs.