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Planning commission approves small event center at 7501 Mentor Avenue with conditions
Summary
The Mentor Planning Commission on Feb. 26 approved a conditional use permit to allow a small event center at 7501 Mentor Avenue (suite 2). The applicant estimated about 100 guests; staff noted a building official occupancy limit of 200. Approval carried unanimously with four conditions.
The Mentor Planning Commission on Feb. 26 unanimously approved a conditional use permit to allow a small event center at 7501 Mentor Avenue, suite 2, in the rear of Colonial Plaza.
Applicant Manika Collins Bryant told the commission she plans to operate a small-scale event center hosting weddings, banquets, community events and photography sessions, and to rent equipment such as photo booths or chairs. "I am proposing to open a small event, smallcale event center at 7501 Mentor Avenue, uh suite number two," she said.
During the public hearing, Charles Andrews Jr., speaking as attorney for the property partnership, said the shopping-center owner supports the proposal and that there is "plenty of parking" at the site. Staff noted four recommended conditions attached to the permit.
Commissioners questioned how many guests the business would host and whether the CUP should specify an occupancy limit. Commissioner O'Donnell asked "what is the maximum number of guests" the applicant expects; Bryant replied the estimate is "approximately 100 guests." Staff pointed to the staff report, which notes a building-official occupancy load of 200, and said the commission could add a condition to tie the CUP to the fire-approved maximum to prevent ambiguity.
Commissioners also raised parking and noise concerns. Staff and the property representative said Colonial Plaza has about 300 parking spaces, and that many events are expected during retail off-hours. The applicant and staff said music would be indoors and would comply with "chapter 531 noise control," and that the property manager and lease provisions would help prevent nuisance impacts to co-tenants.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the conditional use permit with four conditions; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote with affirmative votes from Mr. Zeleleski, Mr. O'Donnell, Mr. Perkovich, Mr. Tedman, Mr. Varga and Mr. Crocker.
The permit carries the four staff-recommended conditions discussed during the hearing; the record does not specify additional details of those conditions beyond staff's summary. The commission had no further business on the item.
The planning commission proceeded to two other land-use items later in the meeting.
