"THE GAMBLER" kenny rodgers

Know when to raise 'em... know when to walk away.

Went to the BZA meeting Thursday night and greeted by, you guessed it, the 'goodfellas'from the Internet Cafe, along with their two attorneys.
In the city's corner was Mr. Lyons Esq., and for the first time at any city meeting I have attended, a stenographer.
Well, to start off, a gentleman got his variance for a garage, a couple was denied the size of a cement pad for parking in their front yard. Along comes the main event.
The Lawyers talked and talked, neither of whom were at the planning Commission when their clients offered all their information. It was about parking yes, but your client was the one that brought up sweepstakes, not the planning commission.
The members of the Zoning Board wondered 'what was their purpose in all this?', along with an attorney representing the Internet group stating the merits of this business. Look, the city gave us a building permit, one told the board. We take this to mean they approved of what we were putting there. Really? I would have never thought that a place named "Internet Cafe" would be a place to practice their skill at a game, but I should have known better. The city of Painesville took liberties with their words and so did these guys. Gambling. Its a skill if you win, its a game of chance if you lose, ask anyone in Vegas.
In their wisdom they decided that the city had enough information and they didn't need to be there any more. The lawyers left the room with their clients.... returning in seconds to withdraw their appeal.... and I guess we'll all see them at the next Planning Commission Meeting.
These businessmen want to go forward with this enterprise in the poorest city in the county, in its poorest neighborhood, wonder why?
I'm willing to bet there will be a judge involved in the near future. Lets just leave zoning and planning to do their jobs.