Planning Commission Wrap Up 10/08/24
The Harrison Planning Commission held its meeting on October 8, 2024, where several key zoning and development issues were discussed and approved.
Zoning and Use Permit for The Atomic Vault (Comic Shop) at 211 Harrison Avenue
The first item on the agenda was a zoning and use permit application for The Atomic Vault, a new comic book and collectibles store proposed at 211 Harrison Avenue.
The store owner, Andrew Saterfield, presented the concept for the store, which will cater to comic book enthusiasts and pop culture collectors. Saterfield, who is also the founder of the Cincinnati Comic Expo, shared that the store will offer a wide range of products, including comic books, high-end collectibles, vintage movie posters, and toys. The shop is also set to host special events such as celebrity signings and Free Comic Book Day, thanks to Saterfield's extensive connections through his work with the expo.
Saterfield explained that The Atomic Vault will be a hub for fans of all things pop culture, and he aims to make it a destination store in Harrison, offering unique merchandise and fostering community involvement. His vision also includes bringing well-known figures from the comic and entertainment industries to the store for exclusive events, adding that Harrison would benefit from a place that celebrates comic culture in a meaningful way. He detailed the operating hours of the store as Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m..
The Planning Commission reviewed the zoning application and confirmed that it met all necessary regulations. The store will occupy approximately 1,300 square feet on the ground floor of a two-story building with apartments located above. The business will utilize on-street parking in front of the building and access to a public parking lot behind the building.
The commission also discussed the store's logo and signage plans, approving the proposed 10-square-foot hanging sign to be placed on the front of the building. The applicant was reminded that any future alterations to the building exterior, such as painting or structural changes, would need additional permits to comply with Harrison’s historical downtown guidelines.
The commission approved the zoning and use permit for The Atomic Vault, and Saterfield expressed his excitement about opening the store and becoming a part of the Harrison business community.
Plat Approval for Trailhead Subdivision, Section 1
The next item of business was a plat approval for the Trailhead Subdivision, Section 1, which involved splitting Lot 1 and Lot 36 within the development. This approval allows the two-unit dwelling to be sold as individual units. The division line, running through the common wall of the building, has been verified on-site.
Planning and Zoning staff and the city’s engineering department had reviewed the plat and recommended its approval. Doug Pete Meer, the developer, was present to address any concerns from the commission. One question raised involved whether there would be a party wall agreement in place for the two units. Meer assured the commission that the necessary legal agreements were being arranged to handle the common wall.
With no further questions or concerns, the Planning Commission approved the plat split for the Trailhead Subdivision, and the developer was advised to record the final plat with Hamilton County for the sale of individual units.
Conditional Use Permit for Concrete Recycling Center on Madden Way
The final item was a conditional use permit request for a concrete recycling center at Madden Way, in an M1-zoned area (light industrial). The proposed center will process concrete for reclamation and aggregate resale, a key part of Harrison’s efforts to reclaim and restore industrial properties.
The applicant explained that concrete materials would be brought in for recycling, which would be used to restore the property or be processed for resale as aggregate. The facility will adhere to local noise ordinances and operate during daytime hours, specifically from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. It will not process materials overnight or handle materials that would generate strong odors or other environmental concerns.
The Planning and Zoning Department confirmed that the proposed recycling center aligns with Harrison’s comprehensive plan, which encourages industrial reclamation in this part of the city. The comprehensive plan specifically referenced this site for maintaining its industrial-commercial use while ensuring proper buffering to adjacent properties. The operation is expected to contribute positively to the local economy by creating high-value jobs and boosting the tax base.
The commission discussed several aspects of the recycling operation, including the expected proportion of materials to be reclaimed and reused on-site versus those being resold. The applicant clarified that a significant portion of the materials would be processed for resale while contributing to the reclamation of the land. The commission approved the conditional use permit with the stipulation that recycling activities would only continue for the duration of the reclamation process. Once the site is fully restored, the recycling operations will cease.
Conclusion
With no other items of business, the Planning Commission adjourned the meeting. The next scheduled meeting will continue to address zoning requests and development applications as Harrison continues its growth and development efforts.