Carbondale planning commission continues review of 522 Highway 133 restaurant after debate over stone-to-concrete change

The Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission continued public hearing review of a material-change request for a proposed restaurant at 522 Highway 133 after debate over replacing an approved stone wall with poured concrete.

The applicant, Ryan Lee, told the commission the application under review was “really just the material change” and that the team proposed switching a portion of the approved stone cladding to poured concrete to improve constructability and reduce cost. Lee said the proposed concrete would be a gray, earth-toned finish intended to “preserve the original earth tone aesthetic” and that the altered area is “probably less than 15% of [the] overall area.”

Commissioners and nearby residents have treated the site as a gateway to town, and members pressed the applicant on appearance and durability. Commissioner Franco Palumbo said he was “Disappointed to see the proposal, not to have that stone,” arguing the stone fit the character of the entrance. Other commissioners and attendees suggested design compromises that would keep costs down while avoiding a single, unbroken gray face — for example, staining or pigmenting the concrete, applying…