PB-16-08/NM Food Corporation dba Manhattan Bagel

10. 14; fence and landscaping. An existing pay telephone in this area would be removed. Applicant proposes 7 signs including 3 on the awnings and 3 on the side of the building. Applicant also seeks to use letters which are 20” tall, although the Ordinance only permits 8” tall letters. Responding to Board questions, Mr. Carballo acknowledged that bollards would be added on the east side of the building to protect the new seating area from vehicles in the parking lot. Mr. Carballo further noted that although the new outdoor seating area will be impervious, that the site is still under the lot coverage maximum. When asked about why Applicant needed so many signs he testified that the building is setback from the Avenue and is narrow and the signs will help promote visibility for the store. Applicant called Gerardo Donatiello who testified that he is a principal of Manhattan Bagel, the proposed tenant. He answered that the equipment on the roof would be the same as was there for the previous tenant Dunkin Donuts and that the equipment would not exceed the height of the proposed parapet wall. He noted that Applicant would also be willing to install bollards on the east side of the store to protect the building from vehicular traffic and the parking area. During public comment an individual requested that Applicant maintain the existing pay telephone or provide Wi-Fi service at the store. FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW The Premises are located in the B-2 Zone which permits retail stores. Applicant seeks to amend site plan to permit the conversion of a 1,600 sq ft space previously occupied by Dunkin Donuts into a bagel shop with eat-in and takeout service. New seasonal outdoor patio seating is also proposed. The property is located along the commercial stretch of Northfield Avenue across from the South Mountain Recreational Complex. To the east is a McDonald’s Restaurant to the west is a BP Service Station. The store is currently vacant and restoring it to occupancy will further the goal of promoting business uses in the B-2 zone. The application requires variances as follows: Required/Allowed | Proposed Maximum Height of Fence in Front Yard | 4 ft 5 ft