An orthodontist asked the Maplewood City Council last week to allow her to open an office in CB1—the two blocks in downtown Maplewood reserved for retail, restaurants and entertainment. The proposal came to the council after being approved by Planning and Zoning. The proposed office location is 7345 Manchester Road.
Before the council took it on commercial property owner Rob Birenbaum and Blue Duck owner Karmen Rayburn weighed in, telling the council they were definitely against it.
Birenbaum said by approving this P&Z voted to emasculate an ordinance that helped Maplewood morph from “desolation row” in the 1980s and 90s to what it is today. He said doctors and lawyers will come next, and how will P&Z turn them down? Rayburn said the CB1 is incredibly small, just two blocks, so every storefront is very important to preserve its character, energy and economic health.
Mayor Barry Greenberg said an orthodontist office doesn’t belong there. He said he opened his architects office on Sutton (not CB1) in the 80s and it wasn’t an impediment to business. He later pointed out that an orthodontist office isn’t open after 5pm, and not on weekends, making his point that it wouldn’t contribute to neighborhood commercial activity.
Council members Eric Page ( Ward 2) said he was inclined to agree with Greenberg about why the district is there and what it does; Krista Garcia (Ward 1) also agreed.
Ward 1 Council Member C Wiley said it’s not uncommon for a doctors or orthodontists office to be in a shopping district to increase foot traffic to other businesses. She suggested sending it back to P&Z for more study, adding that there are no stipulations in the bill on allowing such an office.
Ward 2 Council Member Chasity Mattox said her daughter is currently getting braces and when she’s in the office (in Rock Hill) she walks to other businesses in the area, adding it’s not farfetched to have an orthodontist in CB1.
Ward 3 Council Member Nick Homa said it’s a conditional use but it would set a precedent. He agreed with sending it back to P&Z for more study. The vibe would be different it there were more professional offices in CB1 he said.
Ward 3 Council Member Mark Vanden Akker agree with sending it back, and asked that members of CB1 be part of the meeting.
Could a certain percentage of spaces be for professional services without changing the nature of the district; does it drive foot traffic—Garcia wondered.
The council didn’t vote on allowing the office to open, but instead voted to send it back to P&Z, with Greenberg casting the only ‘no’ vote.
The council is afraid to vote on this because it is controversial. Zoning has made a decision. I believe that, from what I read, here, that dentistry is not a restaurant or an entertainment facility and therefore shouldn’t be there. The council should vote.
Clarkson eye care isn’t in that special zoning area. I just looked it up. It is only those places directly on Manchester between Sutton and Southwest and one area west of marshal. It’s a really small area
Clarkson Eye Care is a doctor’s office, so why can’t an orthodontist’s office be treated the same? I see a lawsuit. again in Maplewood’s