RockCity Sports’ Mentor plan parked for now

Proponents of a new indoor sports facility in Mentor need a new parking plan if they want to proceed.

The city Planning Commission recently tabled RockCity Sports LLC’s request to allow a recreational facility at 8001 Moving Way in the M-2 Heavy Manufacturing District after questions arose about adequate parking and emergency access.

The sports facility would be housed in 24,000 square feet at the rear of the 143,368-square-foot Moving Solutions building at the end of Justin Way.

Dan Bezik of RockCity Sports proposes to operate a recreation and training facility with four volleyball courts and three pickleball courts.

The facility is primarily to be used to conduct a Junior Olympic volleyball club at night and on weekends.

“We thought that, with the growing sport of pickleball, that would be an opportunity to get some activity in there during the daytime hours,” Bezik said. “(We would be) expanding from there based on the use and the growth, and the interest of other activities.”

Commission member Geoffrey Varga sees the need for a “significant amount” of additional parking to be developed.

“It’s not in the proposal,” he said. “How would you respond to that requirement?”

Moving Solutions General Manager Ed Insana said the property owner would be willing to stripe the lot to create more space.

“We have additional parking that Mentor Nissan takes up right now that we could make room to accommodate their needs,” he said.

Varga noted that the plan called for 98 spaces when the number required for the recreational use is 168, and about 150 is needed for the industrial use.

“That’s a big difference in parking,” he said.

Mentor Planning Director Kathy Mitchell said the parking requirements were calculated based on current standards, which may be different than when the building was constructed.

“That should be clarified in terms of daytime needs versus evening needs, because of the times that RockCity Sports has indicated,” she said. “Much of their hours are going to be in the evenings.”

Commission member Brian Cook asked whether weekend tournaments are planned.

“I’ve been to these tournaments and parking is usually a nightmare at these places,” he said.

Bezik said no tournaments are anticipated at this time.

However, he said there is potential to use some of the industrial facility’s parking next door on weekends, if needed.

The fire department is requiring that the emergency access road be made a finished roadway with walkways to the entrance doors as well as an approved turnaround.

Chief Building Official Jim Decker recommended that a registered engineer or architect design the interior alterations for the space, analyze the Ohio Building Code and make appropriate construction documents as is required with any other project.

The commission then unanimously tabled the matter.

“Mr. Bezik, I think we’re a little ahead of ourselves on this,” said commission Chairman William Snow.

Bezik said he would return with a design and plan for meeting the parking and fire department requirements.

Varga responded, “I have nothing against this project; I think it may be desirable for the community. We need more information and a fixed plan.”

“Understood,” Bezik replied. “I would comment that I hope this is the case for all facilities like this.”

Other future uses and activities may include yoga, kickboxing, karate, self-defense classes and personal training.

In addition, during the summer, “day” camps would be offered. The center would be staffed by two full-time employees and additional coaches and parttime staff.

In February, RockCity Sports received a conditional-use permit to allow a similar use in a 21,000-square-foot facility at 8820 East Ave. in the M-1 Light Manufacturing District. However, a lease couldn’t be secured.

Bezik said a lease has been agreed upon for the new site, pending city approval.