Panel OKs idea of outdoor seating wine-and-painting studio

Owners of Artè Wine and Painting Studio want to allow their customers to enjoy both elements of their Village shop outdoors until midnight.

On Monday, the Plan Commission, which last month put a hold on the request by Karen Wilman-Salituro and Lisa Allen to allow time for a more detailed site plan to be submitted, got an idea that could accommodate the proposal using public right of way.

Ten tables, providing seating for about 32 people, would be placed along the public sidewalk right next to the building, 7511 Harwood Ave., and in the grass and paved area around the tree across the sidewalk from the building.

The commission voted 4-0 in favor of granting a conditional-use permit for outdoor seating. Mayor Kathy Ehley, chairwoman of the commission, abstained from voting because she still holds the position of Village Business Improvement District executive director.

Commissioner Jody Lowe supported the request, but she questioned whether the seating was to support the drinking portion of the business more than the painting portion.

"I was struggling to see how those late hours would provide appropriate lighting to paint," she said.

The tables next to the building will have light from the overhang, so painting after the sun goes down would be possible, said John Salituro, Wilman-Salituro's husband, who was representing the business at the meeting. However, the majority of the painting will happen during daylight hours - until about 9 p.m. in summer - and beer and win service would be offered during all hours, he added.

Arte still needs to go to the Board of Public Works for permission to encroach into the right of way. The Community Development Committee also must still consider the project.

Commissioners wanted to make sure the seating would be separated somehow and ample space would be provided for the public to pass along the sidewalk. Business owners are considering wooden gates similar to what Alterra on 92nd Street and North Avenue uses or hiring a local metal worker/artist to design a barrier.

Commissioner Michael Goetz encouraged owners to bring tables after close so their would be late-night loitering.

Lowe had one more request that keeps with the planning that has been going on for the future of the Village. She wanted restrictions added that would allow the city to take away use of the space if the one-way Harwood Avenue/Root Commons area was redeveloped.