Planning Commission passes patio addition

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A temporary patio for Shorty’s Casual Cuisine was approved by the city of Delaware’s planning commission at its meeting earlier this week.

Shorty’s, at 554 W. Central Ave., wants to place the patio on the westernmost two parking spaces in front of the business. There would be a five-foot-tall split-rail fence around the patio area, with the fence poles cemented in buckets, and potted bushes and parking blocks used as buffers and barriers. Inside the patio would be picnic table seating and umbrellas. There may be string lighting, but no additional signage.

“Furthermore, the applicant is proposing that no live music and no outdoor speakers would be permitted on the patio,” states the city’s staff analysis.

The patio would be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It would be in place from March to early November.

One of the commission members asked why the patio wasn’t permanent.

“They (the owners) want to see how it goes and make adjustments,” said city planning director David Efland. Zoning administrator Lance Schultz noted that the temporary designation was for one year.

Schultz said that even with the patio, there was more than enough parking spaces in the lot.

Shorty’s, in the Georgetowne Shopping Center, serves pizza, subs, salads, pasta and stromboli. The owners told the commission they are seeking a liquor license.

A public hearing on the patio will likely take place at 7:50 p.m. April 25 during a City Council meeting.

Also at the meeting, the planning commission approved:

• Amending the zoning code “to revise regulations related to nonconforming use of buildings, structures and land.” The action was prompted when several residents on Lewis Street said they couldn’t get their homes refinanced due to the area’s zoning.

• A rezoning amendment to allow additional uses for a parcel of land in the Innovation Business Park at 2663 Airport Road. The text said the use would be “transportation-related businesses including air or ground freight, package pickup/delivery center” that would not exceed 4,000 square feet. The area is currently zoned for light manufacturing with a planned mixed use overlay district, but the owner sought clarification on the text.

• Maps of the Belmont Place subdivision Phase 1, Sections 2 and 3, at Brets Lane, Ensigns Lane and McNamara Loop (north of Peachblow Road). A total of 49 single-family dwellings on 13.2 acres would be built.

The exterior of Shorty’s Casual Cuisine, 554 W. Central Ave. The city’s planning commission approved a temporary outdoor patio for the restaurant.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/04/web1_DSCF7825.jpgThe exterior of Shorty’s Casual Cuisine, 554 W. Central Ave. The city’s planning commission approved a temporary outdoor patio for the restaurant. Gary Budzak | The Gazette

By Gary Budzak

[email protected]

Gary Budzak may be reached at 740-413-0904 or on Twitter @GaryBudzak.Reach

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