Mayfield Heights Plaza Denied Outdoor Seating

City Council upheld a Board of Zoning Appeals decision denying a variance for outdoor seating for tenants at the retail plaza at 1278-1290 SOM Center Road, across the street from Eastgate shopping center.

Steve Coven, real estate counsel for property owners F&S Enterprises, said the 15,000-square-foot retail plaza was built in the 1970s and was undergoing changes to modernize the site.

Part of those changes was to add outdoor seating to keep up with the competition.

"It looks a little drab because there's not that livable aspect to it," Coven said.

But the original application was for outdoor seating in front of the entire plaza, something that has not been done before in Mayfield Heights, Council President Michael Ballistrea said.

He said all outdoor patios approved were enclosed and for specific establishments rather than a landlord. Responding to those concerns, Coven offered to limit outdoor seating to and Potbelly, a quick service restaurant that is planning to occupy a corner space at the plaza.

Coven even offered to limit the request to Menchie's, with Potbelly seeking approval later when plans for the business are submitted. But Mayor Gregory Costabile said typically businesses go back to the Board of Zoning Appeals again when a plan is significantly altered so the board can make a recommendation to council.

"We're very excited about what you're doing over there at the center," he added.

Law Director Leonard Carr also offered to work with F&S Enterprises to address concerns, including safety issues regarding the parking lot's close proximity to the proposed seating area.

The plaza's sidewalks were widened to 10 feet and Coven said the tables and chairs would take out about 2 feet of space by the storefronts.