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Council staff warn of parking, safety issues as zoning hearing set for Cricket Catering and Illusion Sports Bar
Summary
Council staff told Clifton Heights council members that two April 28 zoning-board applications — one to allow events at Cricket Catering (23 E. Baltimore Ave.) and another for increased signage at Illusion Sports Bar (403 W. Baltimore Ave.) — raise parking, accessibility and safety concerns that the borough may ask the zoning board to condition or limit.
The Clifton Heights Borough Council heard staff warnings about on-site parking, fire-code and neighborhood impacts ahead of a zoning hearing scheduled for April 28 over two commercial applications. Community development official Cole said Cricket Catering at 23 East Baltimore Avenue is applying to hold events on-site, while Illusion Sports Bar at 403 West Baltimore Avenue seeks increased signage.
Cole told the council that the Cricket applicant claims eight on-site parking spaces and a venue of about 1,500 square feet. "I believe they have 8 spots on-site, and the venue space will be about 1,500 square feet," Cole said, a level of parking several members questioned as insufficient. Council members and staff noted the nearby Waller Street lot is reserved for paid-permit users and that on-street overflow could push event parking into adjacent residential neighborhoods.
The police chief and other council members also flagged fire-code and accessibility issues at the catering site, including steps and a garage door that may make handicap access and safe egress difficult without building modifications. Tom, the borough manager, urged a proactive approach and said the solicitor sometimes can negotiate conditions at zoning hearings: "Once it's done, it's done," he said, arguing that early conditions can protect the community if the applicant's use becomes permanent.
Council members discussed whether to send the borough solicitor to the April 28 hearing to seek conditions — such as restrictions on hours, limits on occupancy, or parking requirements — if the zoning hearing looks favorable. On the Illusion Sports Bar signage request, staff and members noted the business has invested in recent repairs and that the proposal appears to replace existing facade signage and add an awning rather than temporary banners; members said conditions could also govern sign size and materials to keep consistency with prior sign decisions for the shopping center.
The council did not take a formal vote on any zoning positions during the meeting. The zoning hearing is set for April 28 in the council chamber, where neighbors, applicants and the solicitor may present evidence to the zoning hearing board. The council's next regular meeting is expected to include any follow-up recommendations after the hearing.
