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TORONTO -- Members of the city's planning and zoning commission on Tuesday received updates about plans for a skateboarding park and a Dunkin location while mulling new regulations for building contractors.
Bill Lucas, chairman of the volunteer board, said plans for a skateboard park in the former Lincoln School playground are still pending.
City officials learned recently that local businessman A.J. Hunt, who owns the vacant lot, had expressed interest in establishing such a park there, then donating it to the city.
Lucas said he's since learned through Mayor John Parker that some years ago, the city received a grant for the nearby basketball court and a dog park at the corner of Belmont Street and North River Avenue as well as a skateboard park but ran out of money before proceeding with the third project.
But he noted the vacant lot eyed for the park is zoned residential and in order for that to be changed, notices must go out to all residents who live within 200 feet of it and a public hearing must be held.
Assistant City Services Director Linda Burkey advised she has heard from a few residents who are opposed to it.
A date hasn't been set for the hearing.
Lucas also reported a representative of Heartland LLC of Forest Hills, Pa., has advised plans are moving forward for the construction of a drive-through Dunkin location in the currently vacant gravel lot across from the McDonald's on Franklin Street.
Lucas said the franchisee is waiting on approval of plans for the store from the Ohio Department of Commerce, which has authority over commercial structures.
He said Heartland is seeking the city's permission to install a sign for the business, ideally one that can be seen from nearby state Route 7.
Lucas said city code calls for signs to stand no more than 35 feet high and be no more than 64 feet wide and not to impair vision for motorists or pedestrians.
It was noted that ingress and egress to the business is another issue that's not been resolved.
First Ward Councilman Bob Bertram, who sits on the board, suggested City Police be consulted about any related traffic issues.
Lucas said he believes some traffic issues will arise during peak traffic periods on Franklin Street.
But he said with traffic signals in place for the nearby Sloane Station shopping plaza no more than 200 feet away, he doesn't envision additional signals being installed.
In other business, Lucas noted the board has discussed issues related to the city's building permits, including the failure of some contractors to obtain them.
He said not all work requires a permit, but property owners or contractors should contact the city's building inspector, Randy Henry, at the Municipal Building before proceeding.
City officials noted one reason is to avoid violating codes that affect neighbors or others.
Lucas suggested each contractor be required to register with the city and a certificate could be issued, pending proof of liability insurance and payment of a fee, possibly $100.
He said to ensure permits are obtained for all relevant projects, a contractor could be fined for the first and second violations and after the third, could be banned from future permits.
Board member Clark Crago suggested limiting the ban to one year, which was supported by others on the panel.
Lucas also suggested those who rent their property could be required to register it annually for a fee.
Board member Russ Kuntz said requiring proof of insurance "is a great idea. It protects residents."
He said many homeowners assume hired contractors have insurance when they may not.
But Kuntz also questioned what service would be provided through the fees, noting the building inspector currently isn't expected to return to work sites for inspections.
Lucas said he believes that government overreaches at times, but one function of city government is to protect constituents, which the fee would help to do.
He sought no vote on the proposed regulations and stressed they and any monetary values included were open to future discussion.
Burkey said some have commented that the city's building permit fees are modest.
Fees implemented by the city since 2004 range from $5 for a project costing $999 or less to $30 for one totaling between $20,000 to $20,999.
For projects amounting to $21,000 or more, the fee is 0.25 percent of the total cost.