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Wine-bar proposal has planners abuzz
(by Sue Reid - February 17, 2011)
Wine-bar proposal has planners abuzz
By SUE REID
Although the Solon planning commission tabled a site plan and zoning variances associated with a wine bar proposed in the city's historic district last week, members expressed support for the project.
Mayor Susan A. Drucker, who is a member of the planning commission, said, "It's quite a unique idea, and it might be the starting point there." She referred to promoting pedestrian traffic along the historic Bainbridge Road downtown area. "I'm glad someone is taking a risk and investing in Solon," she said.
"I support this project, and it's something I'd like to see come to Solon," said Councilwoman Toni M. Richmond, also a member of the commission.
"The former master plan citizens commission envisioned the historic area as being pedestrian friendly," commission member William M. Mazur said. "It's slow in developing," he said of the area, "but this would be a fresh start.
"It will be an enhancement to the city," he said. "I think it's innovative."
Commission member E. Macke Bentley IV also thanked the applicants for bringing the proposal forward.
Richard Alaimo, Thomas Steinbauer and Frank Bonsignore, along with their architect, Neil A. Safran, appeared before the commission with plans to convert the building at 33325 Bainbridge Road to a business called the Swirl Wine Bar. A bocce-ball court and outdoor patio also were proposed.
The bocce court was one of the sticking points raised by the commission due to its proximity to the road.
The commission took a straw vote as the applicants sought some clarification on whether variances associated with the court would be approved. Ms. Richmond, Mr. Mazur and Roger C. Newberry said they would support the variance. Mr. Bentley was not in favor of it, and Mrs. Drucker said maybe.
"The only concern I have is the bocce-ball court in the front yard," Mrs. Drucker said. "That has been a struggle." She asked the applicants if there's any way to move it back.
Mr. Alaimo said the bocce-ball court is extremely important to the life of the project. "It will bring people in," he said.
Mr. Alaimo said a large amount of money has been committed to the project by various investors. "You need to be different," he said, "and not like everyone else."
"There are no true wine bars in the Solon area," Mr. Alaimo said. There are some in Twinsburg, Aurora and Chagrin Falls, "but nothing in Solon proper," he said. "We all love wine, and wine bars are upcoming businesses," similar to the rise of coffee shops 15 years ago, he said. "Wine bars are popping up all over the place."
The partners said they desire an old structure that would lend itself to a "relaxing feeling."
The wine bar would be located on the first floor of the building, which is next to the Steinbauer Funeral Home. Slight modifications would be made to the building's exterior, they said.
The business would include a small retail area, Mr. Alaimo said, and light food items such as cheese and fruit platters, salads and small pizzas would be offered. The Swirl Wine Bar would have a District 5 liquor license that would allow for wines, beers and mixed drinks such as martinis, he said.
The planning commission asked that the applicants return with a more complete cross-access plan for the adjacent properties and a landscape plan for the bocce court and outdoor patio. The commission asked for a reduction in the extensions for the proposed goose-neck lights, as well as some definition on the lights to prevent overflow onto adjacent properties. In addition, the commission asked for a memo from the city's engineering department confirming that water runoff and detention is not a concern.
The commission read a letter from Ward 6 Councilman Edward H. Kraus in support of the project. It's a "wonderful opportunity for the city to move forward with the redevelopment of this area," he said.
"For many years, this has been an area that the city has targeted for redevelopment of some of the older houses and structures," Mr. Kraus said. "I strongly support the efforts of Mr. Steinbauer and Mr. Alaimo in what is being proposed.
"Having a new wine bar would be a great addition, as well as look to major redevelopment of this entire area we refer to as the historic district."
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