Family Video to build in city
By GIB SNYDERArticle Photos
If you've been wondering what was going to happen to the former Four Seasons Restaurant site on Central Avenue in the city of Dunkirk, wonder no more. Family Video, if all plans materialize, will add to its more than 500 stores with a new one.
The city Planning Board heard and gave preliminary approval to plans presented at its meeting Wednesday. Representing Family Video, headquartered in Glenview, Ill., were its Regional Director Todd Bezenah and John H. Sciarabba, L.S., of Land Tech Surveying and Planning P.L.L.C.
Sciarabba called the proposed building a prototype building which will be similar to one being constructed in Orchard Park.
According to Sciarabba, Family Video is purchasing about .6 acre of property, and on that 135 by 200 foot lot will construct a 7,400 square foot building. Family Video will occupy 5,900 square feet of space with the remaining 1,500 square feet to be leased. There are 41 parking spaces proposed with access off Central Avenue at the south boundary line of the property and from the plaza. The building will run in a north-south direction with the front being located some 65 feet from Central Avenue.
Sciarabba gave the board a rundown of various items in the project that will have to worked out with the city, as preliminary meetings with Department of Public Works and Building/Zoning Office officials have already been held. Planning Board members offered several suggestions on the proposal.
"The best thing for us would be a letter, a positive recommendation to the ZBA," Sciarabba said. "And then we get to the ZBA meeting and then if there's any tweaks and make sure they like the plan and give us the variances required, then we'll come back for a full site plan."
Member Ed Schober made a motion, which was approved unanimously, to approve the site plan in concept.
The board then agreed to move its next meeting to Aug. 26. That change will allow the developers to meet with both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board on the same night.
The board questioned the construction timetable.
"Literally, we have mastered this. That building can be built and operable in 90 days," Bezenah said.
Member Jon Muntz asked why that site was targeted for a Family Video store.
"Location, ... it's a nice central artery that services both Fredonia and Dunkirk. It's well traveled," Bezenah said. "The college is there. Blockbuster is down the road and we must be real (close) - we cut them off. They'll come down, and why go by us?"
According to a brochure provided by Bezenah, Family Video had its beginning as a video rental store in 1978 and now serves more than 500 communities in 15 states while employing more than 5,500 people. A privately owned company, Family Video has several stores throughout Western New York, including a new one in Jamestown. Operating hours will be from 10 a.m. to midnight with lighting being directed to minimize its impact on neighbors. Plans are to employ 10 people.
"How we run our business is, we're very unique and very picky about the experience you're going to have with us," Bezenah said.
In other business James Payne, owner of Kettle & Keg and Walleye Willie's, was present on behalf of both businesses. Payne sought and received board approval to continue allowing parking for two vehicles in space behind Kettle & Keg. Payne also provided an update on the proposed parking lot that would be located adjacent to Walleye Willie's.
Payne said work on that lot would begin after Labor Day since the contractor could not start until after July 4. According to Payne, construction during the busy summer season would be problematic but, "you will see dirt being moved in September."
The board also began the process of reviewing parking exemptions in the city.
