Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Change Of Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Proposed smoke shop at 908 River Street tabled after commissioners flag paved-over sidewalk and safety risks
Summary
An application to convert a former barber shop at 908 River Street into a retail smoke shop was carried to the December 21 meeting after commissioners raised pedestrian-safety concerns about a paved-over sidewalk and an accessible curb cut; the tenant attorney said the landlord must authorize exterior changes and will be asked to install temporary planters or similar buffers.
An application to convert a former barber shop at 908 River Street into a retail smoke shop was tabled by the planning commission after commissioners raised concerns that the property’s pavement has been extended across the sidewalk, removing the pedestrian buffer and creating a vehicle-access hazard.
Philip C. Miller, the applicant’s attorney, told the commission that the proposed tenant plans interior work only and does not control exterior changes. Miller said the tenant and he would press the property owner (identified in the meeting as River Street LLC) to address the paved-over sidewalk and curb continuity. Commissioners said a practical interim remedy would be temporary, removable planters or a knee wall to prevent vehicles from driving over what should be public sidewalk space.
Staff and commissioners also asked the applicant to limit future window-cluttering signage — a recurring issue for small retail uses of this type — and to return with evidence the landlord will permit any required exterior buffers or improvements. The commission directed the applicant to discuss the options with the owner and agreed to place the application back on the agenda for the December 21 meeting so the parties can report a proposed remedy. No final action was taken at the hearing.
