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Plan Commission approves Gordy’s Lakefront Marine boutique; prohibits on-site boat/trailer storage
Summary
A boutique marine sales business was approved for a Milwaukee Street storefront; the commission approved signage and exterior paint changes but barred on-site display or storage of boats and trailers and required repainting of building doors as a condition.
The Plan Commission on May 28 approved a business plan of operation and permanent signage for Gordy’s Lakefront Marine at 1764 Milwaukee Street, allowing the owner to use a downtown storefront for boutique-style marine sales and authorizing a non-illuminated wall sign, subject to conditions.
Applicant Danny Crist and co-applicant Steele Johnson told commissioners the downtown location will be appointment-driven and that most equipment and inventory would remain at off-site service/storage locations. City planner Amy Barrows said the building is in a B‑1A commercial/residential transition district; parking is limited on the parcel and the zoning requires most service and storage to be enclosed. Barrows recommended approving the proposal but prohibiting on-site boat or trailer storage or display because the existing parking supply and maneuvering space are tight.
Commissioners approved the business plan and signage with two conditions included in the motion: that no boats or trailers be parked, stored or displayed on-site, and that all exterior doors on the property be repainted (applicant proposed changing yellow doors to a darker blue). The motion also included standard sign conditions that nonconforming or replacement signage conform to the city’s setbacks and lighting limits; the commission and staff clarified that the applicant will not be allowed to park display boats or trailers in the lot and must meet parking rules for employees and customers.
Barrows noted that property has 14 parking stalls overall, some designated for existing tenants and apartments above the building; the new business was expected to operate by appointment and have two full-time employees. The commission took the action by voice vote; staff will track compliance with the no-storage restriction.
The applicant said later that he expects to use remote service and off-site storage and will continue to pursue using the building’s waterfront exposure for future operations as appropriate.
