Laserfiche WebLink
1. A 6 ft. variance for width of a driveway on a residential lot where a garage is not <br />present; code permits 12 ft., applicant shows 18 ft., Section 1135.02(B)(2)(e). See also <br />Section 1135.02(B)(2)(c). <br />Motion passed 4-0. <br />COMMERCIAL APPEALS AND REQUESTS <br />19-13061: Morris Cadillac: 27048 Lorain Road <br />Representative: Randy Phillips, attorney, 26100 Lorain Road <br />Proposal consists of a pre -owned vehicle sales and major auto repair. Property is zoned B-4 <br />Mixed Use Business. <br />The following variances are requested: <br />1. A use variance to permit sales of used automobiles; code only permits the sale of used <br />automobiles when accessory to the sale of new automobiles in the B-4 Mixed-use Business <br />District, applicant is proposing used automobile sales only; Table 1139.03-1. <br />2. A use variance to permit major vehicle repair; code does not permit major vehicle repair in <br />the B-4 Mixed-use Business District, applicant proposes a vehicle collision repair facility; <br />Table 1139.03-1. <br />Ms. Lieber stated that the applicant is proposing to sell certified pre -owned vehicles only in the <br />B-4 Mixed Use Business. Also, vehicle repair is not permitted in the B-4 district. Mr. Phillips <br />said the applicant has an option to purchase the property but it is dependent on the variances <br />being granted. The Morris Cadillac Buick GMC dealership is less than a mile away and is unable <br />to be expanded. This proposal would allow for expansion of the pre -owned portion of the <br />business and the vehicle repair facility. This would allow Morris Cadillac to stay in North <br />Olmsted. They did not think the new use would affect the character of the area since an auto <br />dealer is next door and the other neighbors are commercially zoned. The project should allow <br />Morris Cadillac to create 40 to 50 new jobs. <br />Ms. Lieber said this project would repurpose the former Toys R Us property and she supports the <br />variances. In 2017, the property was rezoned to B-4 to allow for a mixed use area, instead of a <br />general business area. To date, there has not been much interest in mixed use redevelopment in <br />the area. She believed the proposed use is compatible with the property and the surrounding area. <br />There is access from Lorain Road and Dover Roads, both of which have existing traffic signals, <br />so the proposed use should not burden the city infrastructure. The city has many car dealerships <br />and they are struggling to keep inventory to meet brand demand. She did not want the big box <br />store to sit vacant waiting for a redevelopment that may not come. <br />Mr. Mackey asked whether the paint booth would be compliant with EPA standards. Mr. Phillips <br />said the applicants intend to comply with the requirements but details have not been worked out <br />since the variances need to be approved first. Mr. Mackey thought the certified pre -owned sales <br />would be an advantage to the economy. Mr. Rahm was happy that the property would be used. <br />Mr. Raig liked that the proposal would bring jobs to the city and that it would no longer be <br />vacant. <br />