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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA2 1 GIEI) t APR 0 3 2015 E Ce i Oi=AMES, IOWA Mary Kay's Flowers and Gifts Inc. is currently operating with a non-conformiWbfj#{NNING&HOUSING and falls in to Trade Use Category Table 29.501(4)-3. We are requesting approval to Change to Another Nonconforming use and establish a small coffee shop/sit down restaurant in our existing space not to exceed 1000 square feet in conjunction with our flower shop. Included in this request is a small seasonal outdoor seating space on the west side of the flowers shop. Mary Kays Flowers has been family owned an operated for 41 years and before that was a greenhouse and flower shop. Due to the increase of big box stores carrying fresh flowers and plants, direct ship, and internet sites local florists are seeing a decline in annual business. Adding a small coffee shop will enhance the floral shopping experience, provide our neighborhood with a much needed service, and provide an opportunity to recoup lost revenue. 1. a. We will maintain our buildings and property as always. We will extend our west parking lot by 90 square feet to ensure adequate parking space. Painted parking lines and a van accessible handicap parking space will be added to existing parking lots. A small outdoor seating space will be installed on a concrete pad on the west end of the flower shop. A bike rack will be installed for bicycles. b. Changes proposed will give a more professional appearance to our property. Painted parking spaces and an seasonal seating area will help identify the shop as a place of business as well as a more welcoming appearance for customers. c. Requested changes involve no hazardous procedures, chemicals, etc. We anticipate no changes in hours, delivery systems, or potential disturbances to our neighbors. d. All public facilities and services are in place. e. All essential services are in place. f. Requested changes will not result in any detriment to any person,property, or general welfare. Cooking will not include any smokers, grills, fryers, or any other air permeating cooking methods. Simple baked goods, soups, and sandwiches are the basics to our mini menu. g. A small coffee shop will enhance our neighborhood by providing a local opportunity for coffee and light lunch for North Ames residents. Our building is handicapped accessible. 2. a. The coffee shop is in the same trade category as the flowers shop. b. No exterior changes to either building are planned. c. No significant changes are anticipated. d. We have parking space for 13 traditional spaces and 1 handicapped accessible. Coffee shop will require 9 spaces and the flower shop will require 5 spaces. e. We plan to maintain a neighborhood quality to our appearance. No exterior lighting will be needed. Noise level is expected to be as normal. Hours of operation will be very similar to our current hours with the exception of opening 1 hour earlier. e 3. a. We anticipate an increase of business activity with the addition of the coffee shop. We would not anticipate the increased patronage to exceed our current holiday volume. With our easy access off Grand Avenue customers and vendors rarely use neighborhood streets. b. Our access to Grand Avenue provides over 90% of our customer, delivery, and vendor access. Without entering the residential section of Northwood Drive or Grove Avenue. c. The largest vehicles that regularly deliver to us are UPS and FedEx Trucks. No semi trucks are used by the vendors we use or anticipate to use. d. Our current hours of operation are 8-5:30 Monday-Friday and 9-3:00 Saturday. Proposed hours of operation are 7-5:30 Monday-Friday and 9-3:00 Saturday. We reviewed these hours with our neighbors and no objections we expressed. e. Offering diversified shopping experience allows neighboring community members a local coffee shop they can easily access by car, bicycle, bus, or foot. f. The existing residential look will continue to set a family neighborhood appearance. g. Our understanding is that we are in compliance with set back as they have been preexisting for 40 years. h. To our knowledge we meet the applicable standards for our zone.