Friday, June 12, 2009

Woodhaven Lanes owner seeks zoning variance

From the Daily News:

The owner of a shuttered bowling alley in Glendale wants a special zoning permit so a retailer can move into its shell.

But locals fear the new tenant would steer too many cars to the traffic-choked stretch.

The bid to switch the use of the former Woodhaven Lanes - which closed in May 2008 - is being reviewed by the city Planning Commission and will face a land-use analysis that will likely drag into 2010, insiders said.

Robert Corroon, an agent for site owner Woodhaven Realty, said he hopes to sign a lease of 10 or 20 years. He noted the zoning classification he seeks covers pharmacies and stores that sell furniture and pet products.

Known as Use Group 10A, the category also covers stores that sell carpets, clothes and household appliances, as well as studios for photos, film, television and radio, said city Planning spokeswoman Jennifer Torres.

Before Corroon can ink a deal, he must allay concerns that the added traffic will overwhelm the blocks near Woodhaven Blvd. and Metropolitan Ave. - dotted by Home Depot, Trader Joe's, Michaels, Staples and others.

A school complex and a two-story set of stores and offices are expected to open just blocks away in coming years.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does this support the idea that rezoning is a scam? Despite our feelings that we are safe as a result of rezoning, these guys ALWAYS will get variances becasue they always have access to people in power who will do their bidding. What is the good of zoning, rezoning, or rerezoning?

Christopher said...

the traffic over there is crazy!

Anonymous said...

Doesn't matter what kind of retail goes there .The area is oversaturated with stores and no one has much disposable income to keep them going.As soon as the the newness wears out,the building is gonna be vacant.How about opening a bowling alley/family entertainment center? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA