WARREN Mayor tries to save Riverside Square

The mayor said a new zoning classification could restrict objectionable businesses.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Mayor Hank Angelo admits "there's no way we can please everyone," but he made a recommendation to council's finance committee Tuesday in hopes of preventing owner Dan Cadle from closing his controversial Riverside Square.
Cadle has told the city he might close the former St. Joseph Riverside Hospital because he's losing money and zoning classifications are too restrictive.
He said he's asked city council four times to consider changing the zoning from residential to commercial, but has been turned down. The planning commission recommended council approve Cadle's request last year.
Suggestion: At tonight's council meeting, Angelo is to suggest that council resurrect legislation tabled last year to zone the property commercial and approve it temporarily to keep Cadle in business and protect tenants from eviction.
The mayor said council could then create a separate commercial zoning classification that lists restrictions appropriate for the neighborhood.
Riverside Square tenants include Fairhaven, SCOPE, a VA clinic, a commercial laundry and social service agencies.
Some residents say they fear commercial zoning will ruin the neighborhood and create too much traffic.
Angelo said a new classification could restrict businesses that west side residents object to -- an outdoor storage facility, a car dealership, a funeral home, a hotel or motel or a boarding house.
This process could take 40 to 60 days.
Owner's outlook: If the city doesn't approve commercial zoning, Cadle said he's 90 percent sure the building will close.
Even if the city agrees, he said there's still a 50 percent chance it will close, because of "other problems" he didn't list.
To pacify concerned lawmakers, Cadle said he'd sign a document saying he wouldn't abandon the building between the time council approves the temporary and permanent measures.
Cadle added the city shouldn't grant spot zoning just for his business, but do what's best for the entire neighborhood.
Angelo said other landlords, including Anthony Cafaro of the Cafaro Co., have tried to lure tenants from the building since the possible closing was announced.
The mayor explained he's trying to hold them off and even asked if some were interested in buying the building.
Safety requirements: Cadle said the city's building and fire departments have given him a hard time, making requirements so stringent that doing business in Warren is not worth the trouble.
He said the city requires that he keep empty parts of the building heated and supplied with water for a sprinkler system.
David Robison, the city's director of engineering, told Cadle those are "life safety issues" required by state law.
Councilman Dan Polivka, D-at large, said he supports the zoning change.
"I think we need to be as business-friendly as possible," he said.
davis@vindy.com