No Vote on Pet Lodge

City Council did not vote on an ordinance to allow a Pet Lodge USA in a former fur vault in Commerce Park at Monday’s meeting.

Members questioned whether the Pet Lodge met a "similar and harmonious" standard that would allow the business in the zoning district that does not explicitly allow kennels.

Dan Kryzanowski, owner of Pet Lodge USA, told the Planning and Zoning Commission that the building is perfect for his headquarters and training facility, and he wants to sign a 10-year lease.

Kryzanowski's lawyer Sheldon Berns said that there are not the same opportunities for the building as there were in better economic times.

"Maybe you could afford to convert that building, put a loading dock windows," said Berns, "but seeing that there is no great demand for industrial space at this moment and seeing that the building is way back on this lot, pretty much out of sight, this is an ideal use for this building."

Commission members were skeptical of the proposal at a previous meeting, and City Planner George Smerigan said that allowing it could set a precedent allowing other pet kennels into Beachwood.

Because the zoning does not name it, Council has to decide if the business is "similar and harmonious" with the businesses allowed in that district: offices and support for offices. 

City Law Director Margaret Canon named several kinds of businesses that exist in the district: manufacturing, wholesale, fitness and dance studios, copy and print retail, restaurants, laboratories, interior decorating.

Councilman Fred Goodman asked Kryzanowski to clarify how the business would be similar and harmonious because "I'm hard-pressed to understand that."

Council members added that their hopes for Commerce Park center on redevelopment. 

"It won't happen overnight," said Goodman. "But we have  already investing a lot of money."

The ordinance could be voted on at the next City Council meeting March 19.