The Observation Deck

Hey everybody,

Just jumping on here to say that THE MEETING IS TOMORROW, THUR, SEPT 8, AT 5:30PM.
Please attend. THIS IS THE ONE WHERE PUBLIC COMMENTS WILL BE TAKEN.

Sorry for the large bold words, I know a lot of parents have orientation nights to attend tomorrow, but this is the formal place to let your wishes be known. It's important if you want to have input in this process. You can look at the plans online here before you go, in order to prepare. (As you can tell, I'm not sure whether I will be able to go or not.) Please go if you can.

Betsy Voinovich

Here's the original notification:

Dear Neighbors

McDonald’s submitted a formal application to the Architectural Board of Review and will be in front of the board at the September 8th, 2011 regular meeting. This public hearing begins at 5:30 in the auditorium at City Hall.

The applicant will present to the Board the site plan, landscape plan, architectural elevations and materials. Public comment will be taken at this meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Planning and Development at 216.529.6630 or planning@lakewoodoh.net.

I posted some images of McDonalds that clearly showed that the owners were willing to do something above and beyond to fit into each particular city. I'm not looking at them as examples of what I like or dislike, I'm seeing McDonalds restaurants that look like NYc or Santa Fe or wherever, that also probably serve as tourist attractions in and of themselves because they are unique in all the world.

Look how far the architects and the owner stretched in the McDonalds image Christina posted.

I would prefer the City of Lakewood look like the City of Lakewood, not Fairlawn, OH or AnyPlace, USA.

Obviously, there are many opinions about architecture. I would prefer that McDonalds keep the front facade of the building, but I assume that would be too difficult and costly. As a consolation prize, I'd like to see something unique. Something that would make people get excited. Something that is not boring.

I'm afraid I can't make my comments in person, but perhaps I will find a way to send an email.

"Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same,
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue on and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look the same."
- Malvina Reynolds