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Auto-parts catwalk poses another challenge
(by Mike Klimko - November 05, 2008)
Auto-parts catwalk poses another challenge
By MIKE KLIMKO
The developer of an auto-parts building is on the agenda to ask the Solon planning commission for new variances next week following the installation of a catwalk.
Occupancy of the building at 35505 Bainbridge Road by Carquest Auto Parts is anticipated as construction nears completion, Solon developer Gregory Warner said last month.
As construction draws to a close, Mr. Warner said, the city's planning department concluded that a parking variance is needed to offset the installation of the catwalk, which increased the square footage of the building.
Additional parking is needed to account for the increase in square feet, General Parts International project manager Roy Krier said in an Oct. 24 letter to the commission. "We had the ceiling height constructed at 21 feet, 4 inches to support the catwalk system, making the store comply to local codes inside the building," he said.
"The building design and racking height allows us to stock the product mix required to support the Solon market customer base. The catwalk allows us to pull product from the upper shelves efficiently and safely. It does not change the inventory capacity of the building," Mr. Krier said.
"On Carquest's behalf, according to the code, this is not considered square footage of the total building, because there is no office or room on the upper deck."
Another matter that must be resolved by Carquest and city officials is the location of a Dumpster, Mr. Krier said. The site plan does not specify the location of the Dumpster pad, an enclosure or screening, he said.
The Dumpster planned by Carquest cannot be located to the rear of the new building due to the proximity of the lot boundaries, although there is space for parking restricted to company and employee vehicles, he said.
In the letter to the commission, Mr. Krier questioned why there is no public parking to the rear of the new building, although Carquest does have access to Solon Road.
The square footage of the building approved as part of the construction by the planning commission and City Council and the parking should be retained as is, Mr. Krier said.
A series of changes in the design of the building required by Planning Director Robert S. Frankland during construction drew the objection of the developer.
The lot at the intersection of Bainbridge and Solon roads was dubbed "Franklands Corner" with a banner placed on the front of the building, Mr. Warner said in September as a sign of protest.
Fire destroyed the previous Carquest store in 2007. Two additional parking spaces were required by Solon when the site plan was approved, because the new building is 390 square feet larger than the original one.
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