Bummer about Zappitelli's Closing

[Valerie Molinski]

Apparently, he is having parking and neighbor issues and sees no resolution at his current site.

Sounds like Adam Carroll is not giving up on Lakewood, though. I am looking forward to his next iteration and will definitely patronize it as I did Zappitelli's.

[marklingm]

From http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11117:

One, I think I can speak of, is Zapitelli's, which just months ago won Lakewood's favorite pizza. Talking with some of the players there, there is a nightmare over parking and a growing feud with neighbors over it. When the building department and their councilman was called they came up to investigate, and ended up having to remove their chairs as they could no longer have indoor dining. [Emphasis added]

Jim,

I still don't get why City Hall works against local businesses ... especially those who don't even ask for tax abatements.

Who were the folks from City Hall who tossed hurdles toward Zappitelli's when they were asked to help out a local business?

Matt

[Valerie Molinski]

From http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11117:

One, I think I can speak of, is Zapitelli's, which just months ago won Lakewood's favorite pizza. Talking with some of the players there, there is a nightmare over parking and a growing feud with neighbors over it. When the building department and their councilman was called they came up to investigate, and ended up having to remove their chairs as they could no longer have indoor dining. [Emphasis added]

Jim,

I still don't get why City Hall works against local businesses ... especially those who don't even ask for tax abatements.

Who were the folks from City Hall who tossed hurdles toward Zappitelli's when they were asked to help out a local business?

Matt

Guess I missed that in the Sullivan's thread. Jim's posts get a little/lot rambly and become TL:DR (too long, didn't read).

With that said, I think we've covered the outdoor dining issue in the past. To maintain safety and standards, Lakewood businesses have to apply for the outdoor dining permit and meet guidelines to do so. While I love Zappittelli's, if they did not follow this, why should they get a pass when others follow the rules?

Of course, if whoever went to confer with them about the parking and neighbor issues did nothing to help solve that, that isn't right either. Of course, that is not confirmed either? Speculation?

[marklingm]

I think we've covered the outdoor dining issue in the past. To maintain safety and standards, Lakewood businesses have to apply for the outdoor dining permit and meet guidelines to do so. While I love Zappittelli's, if they did not follow this, why should they get a pass when others follow the rules?

Valerie,

According to Jim's post, City Hall took away Zappitelli's indoor dining - not outdoor dining.

Of course, if whoever went to confer with them about the parking and neighbor issues did nothing to help solve that, that isn't right either. Of course, that is not confirmed either? Speculation?

So, Jim ... let's not speculate ...

Who were the folks from City Hall who tossed hurdles toward Zappitelli's when they were asked to help out a local business?

Matt

[Valerie Molinski]

Ah, I need to quit speed reading these posts... INDOOR DINING.

Was there a code issue? I mean, they cant just 'take away' their dining. Same rule applies....

[J Hrlec]

From http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11117:

One, I think I can speak of, is Zapitelli's, which just months ago won Lakewood's favorite pizza. Talking with some of the players there, there is a nightmare over parking and a growing feud with neighbors over it. When the building department and their councilman was called they came up to investigate, and ended up having to remove their chairs as they could no longer have indoor dining. [Emphasis added]

Jim,

I still don't get why City Hall works against local businesses ... especially those who don't even ask for tax abatements.

Who were the folks from City Hall who tossed hurdles toward Zappitelli's when they were asked to help out a local business?

Matt

Guess I missed that in the Sullivan's thread. Jim's posts get a little/lot rambly and become TL:DR (too long, didn't read).

With that said, I think we've covered the outdoor dining issue in the past. To maintain safety and standards, Lakewood businesses have to apply for the outdoor dining permit and meet guidelines to do so. While I love Zappittelli's, if they did not follow this, why should they get a pass when others follow the rules?

Of course, if whoever went to confer with them about the parking and neighbor issues did nothing to help solve that, that isn't right either. Of course, that is not confirmed either? Speculation?

It sure would help if some specific factual backing info was included so people who want to make informed decisions on the matter can do so.

...but it is much much easier to simply blame City Hall, innit?

http://youtu.be/xGsFP1_kxiY\

So here's a couple specific questions related to info provided on this thread, maybe somebody out there knows:

1) Did the restaurant break any city codes/ordinances?
2) Was City Hall the reason for them closing or was that just thrown in here for good measure?

[marklingm]

John,

I would not have used the song that you used above to characterize City Hall on this forum, but I do think that both Valerie and I are asking for facts ... not speculation.

Matt

[Bill Trentel]

There are always two sides of the story.

One man's hard working pizza man with yummy food is another man's disrespectful pizza man not being a good neighbor.

One thing we can agree on though is we HATE CITY HALL. But is it that they have too many rules that they are enforcing or not enough rules and weak enforcement that allowed this situation to occur?

I'm sure those mall hound Lakewood Alive folks are behind this somewhere, they always are.

Bill

[Jim O'Bryan]

Val/Bill

It was not just parking issues. It was parking issues which flared up into neighbor issues, into
hatred issues, into vendetta issues, into nightmares.

The way the story goes, not to pour gas on the fire, was that MODA was upset over the
parking pace in front of their store constantly being used by Zapetelli's customers. This is
not a new fight on Madison or in Lakewood. And a simple look explain so much. You have
two businesses, one there slightly longer than the other, sees a business open up and then
get really popular and very busy, and while their business stays slow, the other thrives, and
attitudes set in.

It manifested with calls to the police, according to reports every time a car's meter expired.
Police would come out, and write tickets. Then it escalated into harassment, and missing
items that were put down to "border disputes" what is whose on which side of the lot etc.

Finally Zapatelli's looking for some form of relief called City Hall and as I was told Dru
Siley and Councilman Juris stopped out to talk to them. I believe the result of that was,
you really must learn to get along.

Shortly after that Zapetelli's was told, they could no longer have seating in the shop as it
was not zoned for it, nor was it legal. At that point, I was contacted and sat down with
Laurie, Adam's mother. I had mentioned how this sort of thing has gone on in the past.
They were upset that the city seemed not only to not care, but then slapped their hand
ith the seating removal. At that point I heard, "Well we have offers from other places, and
other cities that want us to move." My attitude was, if you want to stay I will help, but not
if you throw that "I am leaving in my face." At that point, talk to you later, good luck.

Them seemed happy, and I thought were now working with the city on getting things
straight. I take the report today as nothing but puffery, and of course it was floated by
a person that could never talk ill of the city as they all but have him over a barrel. So
it came out as the neighbor at fault.

Simialr things have happened Angelo's Pizza, where the Building Department OKed their
building plans. after the finished, and laid out the seating according to plans, they were
told they would have to get rid of half or more of the seating as there were not enough
spots for them to allow the seating. This is bullshit, after they had approved the plans.

Like wise Barracco was ready to leave. They had added to the seating, as they were
packed every night. Admittedly they did it without talking to the Building Department a
huge non-no, and were shut down and the back roomed closed off. After submitting
drawings, and getting them approved the back room was opened, only to find out that
they did not now have enough parking for the seating, and it was closed again. That day
I was having lunch there with Mayor Summers and he said he would look into the city
counting Madison Park as parking for it, and that would get him around the code. They
did the same for Mahall's and QSL, so it is not unheard of. Angelo's was actually taken
care of by Steve Davis that struck a deal with the chiropractor across the street where
Angelos can use the lot in exchange for pizzas. Happy win, win.

That is the story as I know it, as reported here weeks ago. We have still not even
mentioned the three getting ready to shut down for other reasons.

In Collinwood Alan Glazen along with help from the local CDC has bought 5 buildings and
given them to 5 of the top restauranteurs in Cleveland, with the single comment, "DREAM
BIG" Councilman Polensak, Mayor Jackson and Northeast Shores CDC have promised
100% help in every way to get them done.

Is Lakewood losing our cool?

Or are we squandering it, like fools.

FWIW

.

[Valerie Molinski]

Shortly after that Zapetelli's was told, they could no longer have seating in the shop as it
was not zoned for it, nor was it legal. .

Not because of parking.... I realized after posting in this thread that that space doesnt have ADA restrooms. Unless Zappitelli's added it when they came in. That is against code when you have indoor dining.

[Valerie Molinski]

That is really too bad about all of the other stuff... the bad blood with Moda, etc... if that is really how it has gone down.

I deal with building codes and city officials in my daily life. It can be a challenge sometimes. But codes exist for a reason.

I do think the parking thing is kind of ridiculous and would like to see that changed. We really should not push businesses to provide excessive parking in more urban environments like this when it can be mitigated by nearby lots and street parking. The density of businesses and the urban fabric is compromised in many cases.

[Jim O'Bryan]

That is really too bad about all of the other stuff... the bad blood with Moda, etc... if that is really how it has gone down.

I deal with building codes and city officials in my daily life. It can be a challenge sometimes. But codes exist for a reason.

Val

This is a tough one. How many times have we seen a fire, or deaths and have it come back
to the building and the inspectors being blamed. They are there not just for our safety, but
for the safety of all of the owners and tenants that come after the fact.

Cereal Nation or whatever it was called, got nailed the same way, in what ended up a great
business lesson to be taught in business 101. The guy came in as Cereal Nation, and fixed
up his place doing the plumbing and electrical work himself. When he went to open he was
told he would need a occupancy permit, something even small offices need. When they came
out they freaked out and demanded that he bare the walls and all of the plumbing and
electrical. After a couple changes, he put everything back together, but had lost 7 months
of rent and income. Then the real Cereal Nation sued for the name, which they have no
choice but to do. He changed it to Cerealisious, but by then he was sleeping in his car in
front of the store with his dog, and it just never got going.

I have learned, the best place to start any project is with the building department. Then
can be very helpful when engaged, and a true pain in the ass if you try to get around them.

One can only hope it is all worked out, but I really hate it when they play the, "or I'll move" card.

.

[Justine Cooper]

It might not be a card Jim. It might be that other cities work better with new businesses to help them make it work. I wish our city would offer ANY incentives with new businesses in empty storefronts, working with landlords as well to get them filled. Small business has such a high cost in start up and it takes so long to make a profit. Any incentives or at least friendly ways to work with businesses might bring in more.

[Glenn Palmer]

When you cut through all the bickering the root of the problem is still parking, parking, parking. The business districts (Madison especially) haven't changed in 75 years, while the city has gone from households of 0 to 1 cars where everyone walked to the neighborhood stores to households of 2 to 3 cars and less neighborhood stores so you must drive to the nearest store. I can only think of 1 solution.

[Jim O'Bryan]

http://youtu.be/xGsFP1_kxiY\

So here's a couple specific questions related to info provided on this thread, maybe somebody out there knows:

1) Did the restaurant break any city codes/ordinances?
2) Was City Hall the reason for them closing or was that just thrown in here for good measure?

John

I have no reason why you would post a link to that video. It is certainly not my thoughts, but
I am sure you have a reason. Contrary to popular belief, I think I get along pretty well with
City Hall, and most members. Most, are adult enough to not have "feuds" and look at the
issues. They know I am against regionalizing, and bringing in chains, they know I want
more respect for residents and transparency. They also know I am there when they need
me, as many call. At the same time when things are screwed up, they are screwed up. It
always amazes me that you and others want to hold me to a higher standard than the
people you elected, are spending your tax dollars, and out right lying and stealing in
some circumstances. But it is America, you are entitled. Me, I am not looking to sit on a
committee, not looking to get my business approved, did not need variances from city
hall for parking, Hell I do not even do sign work in Lakewood any more, so much easier
in city without the high school politics and peer pressure.

But back to Zapetelli's. All I can go by is what they told me in a series of calls and letters,
over the course of days and weeks. I was at the opening party, and I am a huge fan of
Zapetelli's. Look on their wall you will see a photo of me, Steve Davis, Mom and Adam.

Now I can tell you the story, because the city did not give me a variance, I refuse to be
servile to them to "make a living."

The feud with Moda had be going on for almost a month. Businesses are no different then
residents, sometime neighbors just don't get along. I believe I understand why, but that
would be pure speculation on my part. (Allowed by others but not me). However they were
hoping for some form of mediation from Dru and Juris, they got none. Who knows why? I
don't know again why speculate. Two days later, someone from the building department
came in and said they had to remove the seating, they were not allowed to have seating.

Is it connected, who knows.

But when I spoke with Zapitelli's that was the last straw and they were thinking of moving.

John, At that point, I get frustrated. I have gone through hell doing business and living in
this city for many reasons, all I am sure brought on by myself. But I have never
given up on it, the residents and businesses and yes even City Hall and the School Board
to get enough things right, that it continues to be the best place to live in Northern Ohio.

FWIW