Erie board approves private‑club use for 1118 East Lake Road, splits on parking relief

The City of Erie Zoning Hearing Board approved a use variance permitting a private club at 1118 East Lake Road, an address long operated as a neighborhood gathering place, but the record shows the board split on the broader set of zoning concerns raised in the appeal.

Attorney John Knox presented appeal 13324 on behalf of Shannon Smith, owner of the property historically known as Maze Tavern and now operated as Smitty’s Lounge. Knox told the board the building has been used as a tavern or similar gathering place since about 1947 and that the current owner purchased the property in February 2017. The appeal asked for a use variance to allow a private club and a dimensional variance to waive off‑street parking requirements; the notice cited section 204.3 (prev. 204.12) for private clubs and section 302 (prev. 301) for parking (one space required per four seats).

Knox told the board the applicant intends to operate the premises as a members‑only social club with bylaws, a membership committee and a management committee. The application packet provided a draft of bylaws and a membership process; the record indicates the club would limit membership, require references and charge $50 a year in dues. Knox and the applicant described the operation as a private club rather than a public tavern and said the facility does not currently hold a liquor license.

Several neighbors and community members spoke in support. Terry Williams, who lives at 1133 Eastlake Road, said he had “no problem with the parking” and described the establishment as respectful. Willette Brooks and Ebony Wardell also spoke in support; Pastor Daryl Craig described the applicant’s community work and urged the board to allow the business to operate legitimately.

City solicitor Jason Cech explained that some club types (bottle clubs, after‑hours clubs, dance clubs) are subject to separate city ordinance 352 requirements — including fees, inspections and background checks — and that those conditions must be satisfied before certain types of club licenses could be recognized. Cech and Knox agreed the item before the zoning board was whether the use could be classified as a private club under the zoning code.

Board member Selena moved to approve the private‑club use variance (the motion as presented included the applicant’s parking request of zero off‑street spaces). The record shows a recusal and abstention by member Tom Seibald (recorded as “I’m gonna recuse myself and abstain”), a vote to deny from one member, and approvals from others; the board chair announced the motion carried 2–1 and that the variance was approved as a private club.

The board’s final statement on the record approved the private‑club use variance. The vote record and comments indicate the parking relief (zero off‑street spaces proposed) was part of discussion but the hearing transcript records only that the motion carried “as a private club.” The zoning office indicated it will include submitted bylaws and membership material in the file and that staff will prepare an order reflecting the board’s decision and any conditions.