Planning commission OKs limited retail at Artemis Awards location on Munson Road

The Mentor Planning Commission on March 20 approved a conditional use permit to allow a limited retail lobby at 8790 Munson Road for Artemis Awards and Apparel.

The permit, approved by a unanimous vote of commissioners present, allows the applicant to move light manufacturing of awards and apparel into the site while dedicating a small portion of the space to retail sales. The commission’s approval included five standard conditions of approval listed with the item.

Artemis representative Joe Polakowski explained the proposal in the public hearing, saying the company operates two existing locations and intends to relocate production and a small showroom to Munson Road. “Most of our transactions are done over email or phone or website, very few of which are actually with the retail lobby, hence the small portion and the revenue clause that we've discussed where that accounts for less than 15% of our gross sales,” Polakowski said.

A planning staff member identified in the meeting as Kathy told the commission the proposed storefront would “not generate foot traffic like a normal retail location” and recommended approval. Commissioners had no substantive concerns in the record and moved to approve the permit with conditions.

Votes: Commissioners Teedeman, Varga, Crocker, Hadden, Perkovich and Cook voted yes; Commissioner Rossetti was recorded absent/excused.

The approval allows the business to operate a small retail area while maintaining the location’s primary function as light manufacturing and order fulfillment. The item will proceed to any building- or zoning-permit steps required under city procedures.