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Zoning board approves variances to allow Otis 12 and other uses at EMTA building
Summary
The Erie Zoning Hearing Board approved variances to permit eating-and-drinking, personal and professional services at the EMTA building, clearing the way for Otis 12 to open a downtown location and for additional first-floor tenants (appeal 13326).
The Erie Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance (appeal 13326) to allow eating-and-drinking establishments, personal services and professional services on the first floor of the EMTA building at 127 East Fourteenth Street, a property previously zoned for heavier industrial uses.
Attorney Michael Agresti, representing the EMTA and the applicant, presented an addendum and described the site as new construction on a block that had been largely vacant for years. He argued that neighborhood change — including the Lovell Place renovation and new residential conversions nearby — created an unnecessary hardship that justified expanding permitted uses.
Jeremy Peterson and other downtown developers and businessowners said the building was designed for mixed use and would complement ongoing downtown investment. “This footprint stretches from Fourteenth Of French all the way to Parade,” Peterson said, and he described more than $75 million in related investment in the broader project area.
Otis 12 owner Mike Myotis (identified in the hearing as the owner-operator of Otis 12) described plans to open a second downtown location, keep his Mill Creek site and invest in build-out costs and a liquor license. “I just envision people coming down, having a good time,” he said.
State Representative Pat Harkins spoke in favor, saying state and federal funds were secured years ago to develop the property and that a restaurant there could be a “shot in the arm” for the neighborhood. Several residents, including Kathy/Cathy Shoff, also spoke in favor of the project.
City solicitor Jason Cech addressed the board on legal interpretation. Cech said a hardship variance for retail had been granted previously (2017) and that the current legal question was whether the board should extend that prior hardship to include eating-and-drinking and service uses. He said he had discussed the file with the applicant and city zoning staff.
On the record, board members who stated their votes — Mr. Bridal, Miss King, Mr. Dawson and Mr. Johnson — voted to approve the requested variances. The transcript does not show written conditions attached in the hearing. The board chair directed staff to record the approval and follow up on any outstanding administrative requirements.
Appeal 13326: variance approved to allow eating-and-drinking establishments, personal services and professional services on the first floor of the EMTA building at 127 East Fourteenth Street; Otis 12 is the first tenant announced.
