Board approves retail art and hobby shop with small cafe at former Wood Grill, sets hours and parking expectations

The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board approved a special exception for GCF Entertainment LLC to convert the former Wood Grill at 1829 Bundy Street into a retail art and hobby store with a small café element and limited evening hours.

Applicant Gerald Fabri said he plans to relocate his hobby store from Lake Wallenpaupack and offer art supplies, models, hobby classes, and board‑game events; he told the board he does not intend to host live music. Fabri said mornings could include coffee and pastries and that as the business grows he might add Friday and Saturday hours. On the record he described typical hours for his existing operation and proposed 9 a.m.–10 p.m. as the upper limit, six days per week.

Board members treated the conversion as a change from one nonconforming use to another, which the ordinance treats as a special exception. The board and Fabri discussed parking, and Fabri said the site includes a sizeable side lot and off‑street parking. Members asked that any exterior lighting be directed downward to limit glare on neighboring residences. The board set a condition that operating hours be limited to 9 a.m.–10 p.m. and that the applicant be mindful of lighting on the parking area.

A motion to approve with those conditions carried unanimously; the board stated it would require compliance with the hours and reasonable lighting controls. Members also noted Fabri’s plan did not include loud nighttime events and that the proposed use could be less disruptive than the site’s prior bar/restaurant use. The board recorded votes in favor from Mr. Gattens, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Welby and Mr. D’Antona.