Medina backs downtown projects seen as ‘game changer’
Courtesy Village of Medina: This rendering shows the Main Street façade for Gypsy’s, which is expected to open in mid-summer.
Planning Board also supports Dog Park on Gulf Street
MEDINA – The Village of Medina Planning Board is backing projects that the board sees as a big boost to the downtown, and also the quality of life in the community.
The board met last week and approved Certificates of Appropriateness for work to be done on buildings within the Downtown Historic District. The Planning Board also functions as Medina’s Architectural & Historic Preservation Review Board.
The board approved Certificates of Appropriateness for both Fitzgibbons Public House at 429 Main Street and a new business – Gypsy’s – at 435 Main Street.
Fitzgibbons Public House requested a review of plans for a rear facade renovation which will include a new balcony.
Gypsy’s requested a review of proposed plans to renovate both the front and rear façades, with the rear façade seeing a balcony as well.
The rear façades of both buildings face the Erie Canal.
This rendering shows the back of the building for Fitzgibbons and Gypsy’s, which face the Erie Canal.
“These proposals are a game changer,” said Marty Busch, Medina’s code enforcement officer. “They are exactly the kind of changes that will cause boaters to take a second look and tie up in Medina.”
Fitzgibbons Public House opened in January as an authentic Celtic pub. The operation is run by Tony McMurtrie and Amy Cefelli.
Gypsy’s will be a “wine, coffee and dessert bar” with a second floor space for small events. The business is also run by Tony McMurtrie who plans a mid-summer opening.
The Planning Board also issued Certificates of Appropriateness to the following businesses in the Downtown Historic District:
- 412 Main Street for color changes
- 127 East Center Street for a window sign
- 345 Main Street for work to windows and a door.
The Planning Board also sent two items for review and action to the mayor and Village Board. They include:
- Planned Residential Development – changes to the local Zoning Law to address issues related to accommodating the adaptive reuse of larger structures located within a residential area.
- Proposed Dog Park – local law for the establishment and operation of a dog park in Gulf Street Park in the village.
“Communities are often ranked by the quality of life that they offer their residents,” said Chris Busch, Planning Board chairman. “We believe a dog park will offer a number of important benefits to dog owners, families and local residents, and contribute to a growing number of reasons pointing to why Medina is a desirable place to live, work and grow.”
The next Planning Board meeting has been rescheduled from the first Tuesday in July (July 4) to the second Tuesday, July 11.
