Broad Ripple Random Ripplings

Brought to you by:

Everything Broad Ripple Home

Random Ripplings Home

2007 09 07

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n18)

Land Use and Development Committee discusses outdoor seating - By Ashley Plummer

posted: Sept. 07, 2007

By Ashley Plummer

The Broad Ripple Village Association Land Use and Development Committee met on Tuesday, August 28, 2007, to discuss new zoning procedures and variances around the village area.

The agenda for the evening was relatively short, with three pieces of property up for discussion. The agenda was made even shorter when Maggie Lee, current owner of Naked Tchopstix, had to go out of town. For clarification, Lee is hoping to eventually open a specialty gift shop at 6140 College Ave. There will be retail on the first floor with a residential rental upstairs.

The main topic of discussion for the meeting involved George Hanna, the current owner of Canal Bistro (located at 6349 Guilford Ave.) and his wish to receive a number of zoning variances.

Hanna, who was represented at the meeting by David Gilman, would like a variance of development standards to provide for a 400-sq. foot outdoor seating area with 36 seats, a zero-foot front setback from the right-of-way of Guilford Ave. (in order to put a ground-supported awning over the outdoor seating) and a variance that will allow 17 parking spaces for his square footage, as opposed to the 34 required spaces.

Gilman explained to the committee that when Hanna initially decided to build a restaurant inside the building, he was almost immediately cited for numerous measures.

"My client is now doing his best to meet the standards provided by the city," Gilman said. "He really needs the outdoor seating at this time for his business."

Gilman continued by highlighting that the awning that Hanna will provide for his outdoor seating (if allowed) will provide a much better environment for the customers. Members of the committee agreed, but questioned the legality of his outdoor seating.

According to Gilman, the area allowed for outdoor seating on the property (which currently holds a C-4 zoning citation) is only 200 sq. feet.

Beyond his problems with outdoor seating, the total number of seats at his restaurant present a problem for parking. With around 19 seats inside and 29 seats outside, Gilman said he also needs a change in his parking variance.

The committee listened to Gilman explain Hanna's requests, but were also concerned about Hanna's co-tenant at 6349 Guilford, Lynn Burrows who owns the Toggery, a second-hand clothing boutique that has been there for years.

Elaine Zukerman said that Burrows has voiced complaints dealing with parking and feels that Hanna has not communicated with her about many of his additions to the building.

The last order of discussion involved Rageh Hefni, owner of Taza Café (better known as the Gyro Joint) located at 825 Broad Ripple Ave.

Hefni appeared before the committee to discuss the proper procedures for developing a restaurant at 6323 Ferguson, which currently houses Future Shock.

While Hefni has taken no measures with the city yet, he said that he came to the meeting to receive advice for in which direction he should head for the future restaurant development. The committee thanked him for his inquiry, but told him he would have to get things ironed out with the city first.

*Note on area development: David Gilman, who represents PTP Enterprises, did not show up at a meeting scheduled on August 31 to discuss the Winthrop Condominium development located at 6159, 6161, 6165, 6171 and 6175 Winthrop Avenue. According to David Hittle, Senior Planner for the City of Indianapolis, there is no language, nor precedent pertaining to missed D-P meetings. The meeting to continue discussion on the development has been rescheduled for Friday, September 14. Please continue to read the Gazette for further coverage.

Brought to you by:

Brought to you by: