Permits denied for Internet cafes
Staff report
BOARDMAN
Permits for two proposed Internet café sweepstakes locations were voted down Wednesday by the township board of zoning appeals.
John R. Semann of Canfield was seeking a conditional permit for Internet Sweepstakes Café, 5020 Market St., and Todd DiMichele was doing the same for POPO Inc. of Canton. POPO had planned to open a World Wide Internet Café at 1393 Boardman-Canfield Road in the Huntington Woods Plaza.
Zoning inspector Anna Mamone said residents brought petitions against both cafés to the board of appeals.
“The opposition raised concerns to some of the board members,” she said. “If these people came forth and did the petition, then there’s something to consider.”
Both were denied with a 3-2 vote.
“Under the land-use tables, it is a conditionally permitted use, and if the board feels something is wrong, they can vote against it,” Mamone said.
The two cafés have 30 days to appeal the decision.
The zoning inspector said the board will want a letter of certification from the Internet software company stating that it is an official Internet café and explaining the games and payouts.