3120 HEWITT AVE 2018-01-02 MF Import

ALLEGATIONS OF APPLICANT " Point l: The following are the special circumstances which apply to my property which deprive me of rights and privileges which are enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity under the identical zone classification. -- The Castle Tavern building was constructed in 1892 without regard for the parking restrictions of 1975. The existing tavern provides limited parking at the rear of the building and utilizes the street for overflow traffic, as do the neighboring business. The parking situation which is pre- sently acceptable and available for the immediate business community, particularly the Castle Tavern, will continue to be so, and should not be impaired by the development of a new business in an upgraded and restored building in the same area. Point 2: The variance I am requesting will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the properties or improvements in the vicinity of a zone in which my property is located because: -- All the property in the immediate area is zoned Commercial. There is, however, a diversification in the business use of the land. All the users, but for the proposed restaurant and a tavern immediately west of the site, run day operations with the restaurant opening at 5:00 P.M. it may be concluded that any conflict in patron parking will be restricted to the tavern and the restaurant. Because of the comparably small draw by the tavern, plus the availability of "on street" parking surrounding the building (as indicated by the pictures) the conflict, should one arise, would be minimal. Point 3: If this variance is not granted, an unnecessary hardship will con- tin— ue to the owner of this property, the cause of which is beyond his control because: -- The building was constructed at a time (1892) when parking codes had not been defined and, therefore, adequate parking on these premises was not provided for. Should the variance be denied, the restoration and development of this old landmark will cease, as the acquisiton of property to fulfill the re- quirement would make the entire project economically unfeasible. Point 4: So as not to grant a special privilege to me by the granting of this variance, I submit the following conditions to be imposed so as not to cause inconsistencies with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which I am located. -- The variance is to be granted on the expressed condition that the restaurant will operate strictly as a supper house. Should the restaurant decide to open for dinner (lunch), they would have to find the necessary "off street" parking to satisfy the city code.