"GUANTANAMERA" jose feliano

First the bad news;

It was reported in todays News-Herald 10/14/16 that Spectrum Brands will be closing their Painesville facility on Lexington Ave. early next year. Better known as the STP building more than 70 employee's will be left without employment and Painesville income tax takes a hit.

I'm a sincere man
I'm  from where growing palm


Now lets talk about the Painesville Planning Commission Meeting held last night.

Over 100 attended this meeting (if you count all the 2 and 3 year-olds) The fire department had to limit the people in the courtroom. WE even had three Little Amigo's dressed in black with sombrero's?

First Mobilite permit was tabled until November. (the 75 foot utility pole people.)



REFUSAL # 2295 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST

Applicant :  Veronica Dalberg on behalf of HOLA Ohio LLC

Well we were treated with a presentation by the firm doing the architectural features of the building along with Ms. Dalberg vision of the future of the building. commercial kitchen, business incubator, catering, retail and office. All sounded great. I was granted to ask questions.
First; Do you have title to the building?  No we are in negotiations with the land bank.
Second; Have they promised to refurnish the building? New roof has been discussed.
Third; Have you applied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a $400,000 grant for a commercial kitchen? Yes
Fourth; Have you applied for another grant for new heating and air-conditioning? Yes, there is over 1 million dollars to be invested in this building. (Other people's money)
Fifth; How much is HOLA investing? A lot (no figure given but Architectural firm is owed $60,000)
Sixth; Have you secured parking at St. Mary's from the Catholic Diocese for parking rights? We will secure that in writing .

When I asked does it appear you are putting the cart before the horse? The Architectural representatives said these questions have nothing to do with the reason we are here today?

A nearby resident questioned where will you store garbage? Since building is landlocked it will have to be stored inside. ( no provision on exterior or interior design is shown for this)

After my questions a lady associated with HOLA stood and told be "you don't have to worry about financing, I will cover all costs occurred." Great I hope the people your asking for financing hear that.

Another Hispanic mother said it was important to instil her Mexican culture in her children. This center is needed to promote this. That is commendable. My problem is pay for it yourself don't ask my culture to finance yours. Trust me America is the land of the free not free handouts.

The planning commission put 8/10 stipulations on the building no more than 150 capacity of people on weekends as well as between 48-85 during the week. Most other stipulations made sense. One concerns me, being a business incubator the facility will be open 24 hours a day. I see a problem with this. That building is in a highly residential area do you want people coming and going at all hours? Who, how many?

This passed 3-0 (Mrs. Hada and Mr. Wainwight absent)

 It become effective in 15 days if  4 members of city council don't request a public hearing on this matter.

In other actions;

The owner La Hispana would like to move his business across the street to the old Tony's Subway Inn. That passed.

Today marks the Grand Opening of  "Starfish and Coffee" in the former Your Vine or Mine location.
The Coffee Shop will open with limited hours starting Friday at 4 PM. Hours will expand as the owner's get their feet wet. This business owned and operated by Austin and Bethany Homrighaus.
So why was Austin there? Well it seems Austin is a licensed in Acupuncture and would like to use a room in the back of the building to provide this service. The member's looked at me? "Oh why not this is Painesville. I might even spring for Mr. Lewis first treatment."
Seriously being a college town this business is a necessity. Also this type of business has been lacking in the city. All without a Grant.