Property owner puts up signage to prohibit car shows in Laurel Square

BRUNSWICK — Bright red signs that say "NO CAR SHOWS" were recently put up in the Laurel Square Plaza parking lot, not long before the annual summer tradition of car shows was intended to start up again. Brunswick Limited Partnership is the plaza's landlord, and USA Management leases and manages the property at 1733 Pearl Road. USA Management Property Manager Eric Andrews said the signs were put up by the property owner as a result of a decision by Brunswick's Planning Commission. On Jan. 19, the planning commission voted to deny a conditional zoning certificate for Luna Vapes to go in the plaza. It was stated that the business does not fit with the immediate area because there is a McDonald's play place within 1,000 feet of the proposed store and family-friendly events such as the car show are held in the plaza's parking lot. "It's a permitted use with a conditional use permit, but they felt that it was not harmonious with the car show," Andrews said. On March 20, Brunswick's Board of Zoning Appeals voted to deny the applicant's appeal of the planning commission's decision. Brunswick Limited Partnership then brought an administrative appeal against the city as a result, and the case is still pending. The landlord still wants to lease the property to the tenant without being restricted because of the car show, which is why it is being prohibited, Andrews said. It can be challenging to fill the space in general, according to Andrews. "It's difficult to lease the shopping centers," he said. "There's always been some vacancy in that shopping center. They don't want to be in a position where they have somebody that meets all the requirements of zoning, yet they can't go into the plaza because of the car show." In the past, many car enthusiasts would gather in the plaza's parking lot every Saturday throughout the summer. Andrews said historically the landlord has supported the car show because it has brought exposure to the plaza, and it was good for the community. Yet, they still need to lease space in the plaza. "They're not mad at the city," he said. "I saw some people reference that it was an attempt to vilify the city or something. Nothing could be further from the truth." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.