Board of Zoning Appeals

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS A special session meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals was held on November 20, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Building located at 500 Quincy Street. President Majic called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Present Absent President Majic Board Member Manchin Board Member Deasy Board Member Shultz Board Member Ragen City Staff Present City Manager, Robin Gomez Senior Staff Assistant, Maria Cipolla PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR November 20, 2017 1. Erica Duarte is requesting a conditional use permit to allow a restaurant/lounge at 620 Gaston Avenue. A restaurant/lounge is a conditional use in the Neighborhood Mixed Use Zoning District. The property is identified as tax parcel 3-3-256. President Majic asked if there was anyone to speak in favor of this request. Joe Staud: I am a local business owner. I run a business near their business [Pufferbelly’s on Fairmont Avenue]. I want to speak on the behalf of Erica [Duarte]. I think this will be good for this area and will make this area better. I hope all of you will approve their request so that they can be a part of the City of Fairmont. Erika Duarte: My husband and I purchased this property, 620 Gaston Avenue, and we would like to have our request approved so that we can open up a restaurant/lounge. We plan to open up on the first of the year if this all goes through. Our hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. We will not have late night hours. This area needs a nice restaurant. We are really excited about the opportunity and we hope that we can move forward with our process. Mike Hogan: I have been a resident of Fairmont all my life. My mother was the City Clerk of Fairmont for many years. I want nothing but the best for Fairmont. I know they will do a good job. I have a lot of confidence in them [Ericka and John Duarte]. It is going to be good for Fairmont. Maria Cipolla: I received a phone call from Laura Viglianco today. Mrs. Viglianco owns the North Pole Ice next door at 618 Gaston Avenue. She is unable to make tonight’s meeting, but asked me to state the following for the record: I am very happy that Mrs. Duarte and her husband bought the business next door. I am happy for them and Fairmont to see another fine restaurant in the City. I do not have a problem with their request to use the property as a restaurant/ lounge. I wish them well. Sincerely, Mrs. Laura Viglianco. President Majic asked if there was anyone to speak against this request. There were none. Page 1 of 2 President Majic asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Board Member Deasy motioned to close the public hearing. Board Member Ragen seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Maria Cipolla read the staff report for the record. After a brief discussion, President Majic asked for a motion on the Conditional Use request. Board Member Ragen motioned to approve this request. Board Member Deasy seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. President Majic asked if there was a motion to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Deasy motioned to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Ragen seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Page 2 of 2