05/01/2003 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairman Maloney called all interested parties forward. Ms. Elaine Wesley, filling in for Mike Cristino, came forward to be sworn in and address the request. There were no questions or comments froin the board. W. Kremzar made a motion to grant Cort Furniture, 4698 Great Northern Blvd., the request for variance which consists of erecting a temporary 40'x60' tent from June 2, 2003 to June 9, 2003 and from September 8, 2003 to September 15, 2003, and that the following variance be granted: 1. A variance for a 15 car parking reduction. Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 section (1161.05 (w)). The motion was seconded by N. Sergi and unanimously approved. Variance Granted. 10). Motor Cars. 27500 Lorain Itoad WRD1 Request for variance (1123.12). The proposal consists of additional wall signage. The following variance is requested: 1. A variance for 2 additional wall signs, (code permits l, applicant shows 3). Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 section (1163.27 (a)). Chairman Maloney called all interested parties forward. Mr. Lou Belknap of MC Signs came forward to be sworn in and address the request. He said that Chrysler has asked all its dealerships to bring showrooms and lots into compliance with its sign criteria. He said Motorcars is concerned because that name does not tell anyone who they are. They are attempting to put the name on there and on the building as well since they have such a deep set back. They would like people to be aware of their showroom back there and the product line. There were concerns that when people go by they know it's a car dealer but from what the owner says, many people believe it to be a used car lot. Mr. Kremzar pointed out you cannot see the building anywhere from the street. He said there is already a sign on the post in front. Mr. Belknap said they would change that sign. It will be a face change. Mr. Rymarczyk said it would not require a variance because it is a face change. Mrs. Sergi said Motorcars will not be illuminated but she asked if Chrysler and Jeep will be. Mr. Belknap said the Motorcars sign is existing now and he believes it is illuminated. Mrs. Sergi said the plan shows it will be black with white outlines. Right now it is blue and white. Mr. Belknap said the black is opaque and it has a white outline around it. Mrs. Sergi asked if the sign will be changing. Mr. Belknap said if it is blue now they are probably just changing the face and putting black on it with a white outline but it will still be illuminated. Mrs. Sergi said it has a flood light now but the sign itself is not illuminated. She said what she is reading in the plans indicates the "Chrysler" and "Jeep" will be illuminated. Mr. Belknap said that would be their intent. They have a general layout and they have been taking down existing faces and redoing them. Mr. Maloney indicated the board received a letter from a neighbor of Motorcars, David and Michelle Meadows. He then read the letter (see attached). Mrs. Sergi asked what the hardship is if they are getting a sign by the street. Mr. Belknap said he cannot say it's an extreme hardship other than the fact that people do not really realize it's an actual showroom. Most people that go by get a sense it is a used car dealer. The applicant would like to have the product line on the showroom. Mr. Kremzar said there is nothing on the sign that indicates used or new. It is just a product name. Mr. Belknap said that is a different argument. Mr. Kelly said he has noticed at the dealership that the left side is used cars and the right side contains new cars. Mr. Belknap said he can only present what the dealership is telling him. J. Konold made a motion to grarit Motor Cars, 27500 Lorain Road, its request for variance, which consists of additional wall signage, and that the following variance be granted: 1. A variance for 2 additional wall signs, (code permits 1, applicant shows 3). Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 section (1163.27 (a)). The motion was seconded by N. Sergi. Roll call on the motion: N. Sergi, W. Kremzar, T. Kelly - No, J. Konold, J. Maloney - Yes. Variance Denied. Chairman Maloney said for the record no one showed up for case number 2 or 3. 7