The Vermilion Planning Commission met on August 6, 2025, at the Vermilion Municipal Complex. Members present included Joe Williams, Jeff Hammerschmidt, Jim Chapple, and Chair Heather Shirley. Member Mike Cremean was absent. The meeting addressed zoning requests for two proposed developments and approved a zoning certificate for a restaurant addition.
Restaurant Expansion at Garage Bar & Grill
The Garage Bar & Grill, located at 5391 Liberty Avenue, received a zoning certificate for a rear addition that will serve as dry and cold storage. Property owners Bob and Bernie Stitchick explained that the addition would be a steel container-style structure, designed to match the building’s industrial theme. The plans include an 8×8 walk-in cooler, direct access to the kitchen, and a vinyl privacy fence to conceal the unit.
Although the Planning Commission approved the zoning certificate, the project still requires approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals for a rear setback variance. The proposal has already received favorable review from the Historic Design and Review Board.
36-Unit Townhome Project Proposed Behind The Nest
Eagleview Townhomes LLC requested a rezoning from B-3 Commercial to R-5 Residential with a cluster overlay to construct a 36-unit townhome development on a parcel located behind The Nest restaurant, between Overlook and Altamont streets.
Developers Brent Anderson and George Douzos presented the project, which would consist of single-story, ranch-style units with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. The homes would be built on slab foundations and managed by a homeowners association. The developers stated that units would be priced around $250,000 and targeted toward retirees or older residents. A similar development by the same group was completed in Sheffield Lake.
The site plan includes fencing, landscaped buffers, and 15 guest parking spaces in addition to two parking spaces per unit. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning request and to support a 20 percent reduction in rear and side yard setbacks. The project must also receive conditional use approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Commercial Business Condo Project Proposed on Liberty Avenue
R&J Properties Bros. Holdings LLC presented a rezoning request for a split-zoned property at 4615 Liberty Avenue, seeking to rezone the entire parcel as B-3 Commercial. The developer intends to build a 28-unit business condominium complex for small business owners. Proposed uses include auto glass repair, martial arts instruction, and similar trades.
Resident Homer Taft raised concerns regarding city ordinances prohibiting storage units used solely for personal property. The applicants clarified that the facility would not permit residential use and that units would be reserved for active business operations.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning to City Council.
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2025.
Watch the full meeting here:
https://vermilionoh.suiteonemedia.com/event/?id=1123
About the Author
