Council passes eatery zoning

A former photography framing shop could gain new life as a corner restaurant at 760 Oberlin Ave. in Lorain

On April 5, Lorain City Council voted 11-0 to approve a zoning change for the former Fazio’s Frame Shop, which has fallen into disrepair.

Owner Jorge Chavez of Lorain said he has begun renovations there, including roof repairs, since buying the building in March of 2020. His daughter, Michelle, served as interpreter.

The family hopes to buy a neighboring parcel to serve as a parking area.

Council talked about the zoning issue during a public hearing on March 29.

Council members were unanimous that Chavez has improved the appearance of the building.

Council members Mitch Fallis, Rob McFarland, Rey Carrion, Tony Dimacchia and Mary Springowski all spoke in favor of the zoning change.

The owner is revitalizing an eyesore and bringing it back to life, Carrion said.

They repeated their support on April 5.

“I think it’s a good project, a bona fide project, they’ve demonstrated a commitment to improving the appearance of the property,” Fallis said. He encouraged everyone to vote for it.

Springowski said she drove to the building to look at the changes.

“They’ve really cleaned it up and they are trying very diligently, they were even there over Easter weekend trying to work on this property and I think we need to give them a chance,” she said. “It’s nice to see a project that could just be a vacant parcel of land but it’s being rehabbed and something really good could come from this.

“Like I said, it’s kind of a pun ... but it adds a little flavor to the neighborhood in a very positive way,” Springowski said.

With the April 5 zoning change, council overruled the recommendation of the City Planning Commission, a relatively rare occurrence.

The Planning Commission recommended denying it because Chavez did not attend that board’s meetings to consider his request.

Michelle Chavez explained the family missed the meetings because her mother was stricken with cancer late last year, before dying in early 2021. The family was occupied with her health and subsequent financial issues at that time, she said.

It appeared Chavez’ request was one of the first in the city since council adopted a new zoning code in January.

Chavez asked the city officials to consider a change from R-2 Residential zoning to B-1 Business.

Council members noted the building used to be a store, but it has been closed. The parcel was classified as residential in the new zoning, but Planning and Zoning Administrator Drew Crawford acknowledged a case could be made for using the site as a business.