PC 06/12/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

Judy Poffenbarger, resident of Parkside Street, said she shares a business location with Mr. Toomey and he has been very cooperative. She said she has a bookkeeping firm and needs quiet; even though Mr. Toomey has hired young people she has had no problem with them. She said he has cooperated with the landlord in various ways, even to disallow smoking in his business. She expressed support for the application. Mr. Toomey returned to the podium. He discussed the concerns expressed of loitering. He questioned what could be called loitering or just people standing outside to talk after a meal. He said he has invested a considerable amount of his time and money in this business and does not like the connotation that it will be primarily a hangout for teens. Chairman Mahern discussed with Mr. Toomey whether he would be willing to insulate his walls in order to lower any noise level. She suggested that the applicant seriously consider putting in special walls that go from floor to ceiling that would help insulate the neighbors from noise and the cooking odors. In addition, she questioned whether the back door could be treated to look like an entrance. Mr. Twoomey felt a door treatment could be done with no great expense. Commissioner Horan recommended that the applicant treat the back door like a front entrance with lights and a sign. Mr. Toomey said he would be happy to do this. Commissioner Horan discussed with Mr. Toomey the age of his manager. The applicant said his manager would be in his 30's. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CWSED. Mr. Pavan stated for the record that if the conditions changed from having anybody under 18 to enter the game room without an adult, that a bicycle rack would have to be installed as it would be considered an arcade if two games are present. He noted there is room for a bike rack, should this occur. Mr. Toomey had no problem with that. Commissioner Michelotti expressed support for the application. She has no objection to the games but did appreciate the concerns of the tenants, and felt they were well taken. She recommended that the tenants should complain if there is a problem; and she suggested that the permit be reviewed in six months. Chairman Mahern stated she can support the application; she shared some of her business experience with the applicant, noting in 15 years of working with food establishments that had video games or pinball machines, that 75 % of them ended up removing the games for the very concerns heard tonight. She wished the applicant much success, but cautioned him to enforce the rules and to listen to the concerns expressed. She said she would definitely not like for it to become like the Game Station. Minutes Planning ea..ission JUDe 12, 1991 Page 15