There are some major changes planned for the AMC Theater in Painters Crossing shopping center and the Chadds Ford Zoning Hearing Board readily approved one minor change.
David Martino — of Martino Signs — told the Zoning Board members that the theater is looking to change its signage, but that the total area of the new signs will be of lesser square footage than what currently exists.
The sign along Route 202 will remain the same size, but it will now read: AMC Dine In Theaters, Movies, Menus and More.
Also, the reader board, the large sign showing movie titles and times above the entrance will be removed. Other signs will also be changed but the total area will be less than what it is now.
The text for the new sign indicates the other changes planned for the theater. It will remain a multiplex but, according to Martino, each of the individual theaters will be changed to dining areas that show movies. There will tables, a wait staff, adult beverages and luxury seating.
Martino also said he thinks the renovations will begin in May.
The zoning board approved the sign change 3-0.
Other business
The board continued until at least April an application from Olde Ridge Village to allow for a caretaker unit in the center.
Owner Dominic A. Pileggi testified that the shopping center was originally zoned B-Business in 1982 and that a caretaker unit was allowed as a by-right use at the time. The zoning has since changed to PBC-Planned Business Center, where a live-in unit isn’t permitted.
Pileggi himself lived in the suite from 1982 to 1990 while he served as the caretaker.
Since then, he said, the unit was briefly used as a doctor’s office, but it was designed and built as an apartment and that no structural changes or renovations were made to alter that use.
He added that each of his 25 tenants like the idea of having an on-site caretaker and he submitted an exhibit with their signatures to that effect.
Board Chairman Bob Reardon questioned whether the use would still be legal now, years after the zoning was changed and the unit ceased being used as a living quarters.
Zoning Solicitor Frank Sbandi said it should still be permitted.
“If it was legal then, it’s legal now,” Sbandi said.
Board members still agreed to postpone a decision until they could, if possible, verify that the residential use really was legal in 1982. They will reconvene in April or May depending on the number of other applications.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...
Comments