PLYMOUTH — A public hearing attracted a large number of residents from Plymouth and surrounding communities to the village’s historical society Tuesday evening.
The hearing involved a proposed zoning change for 208 Sandusky St. — owned by Bruce Tanner, a Plymouth business owner.
Tanner, who also owns Levels Gym in downtown Plymouth, has spent the past four years renovating the Sandusky Street residence.
Back in April, he announced plans to turn the home into a coffee shop, known as The Coffee House, on Facebook.
In order to progress, Tanner’s parcel of land needed to be rezoned from residential (R-2) to business (B-2), a change recommended by the Plymouth Village Planning Commission.
After nearly 90 minutes of public input, councilmembers voted unanimously to approve the zoning change — allowing Tanner to move forward with a coffee shop.
A Plymouth native, Tanner said the result of council’s vote Tuesday felt “really relieving.”
“It’s super important,” he said. “It’s stressful honestly, but I’m glad that they (council) voted that way.”
Mixed opinions on future Plymouth coffee shop
Anticipating a big turnout, Plymouth Village Council decided to relocate its meeting to the Plymouth Area Historical Society.
With nearly 70-plus visitors in attendance, a variety of opinions were voiced by residents from Plymouth and surrounding communities.
Multiple concerns raised by members of the public included pedestrian safety, traffic increases, nearby property values and increased light and noise pollution.
A few homeowners, living near the future Plymouth coffee shop, said they aren’t against Tanner or his idea, but feel zoning the Sandusky Street property as business seems unsafe and the “wrong location.”
Conversely, several residents attending the hearing in support of The Coffee House expressed excitement for a new local business — including the opportunity to generate revenue and attract outside visitors from surrounding communities.
Multiple residents from Shelby and Willard said they frequently spend time in the village.
Furthermore, they explained the likelihood of supporting other village businesses when grabbing a drink from the future Plymouth coffee shop.
Tanner values community feedback, concerns
While some in attendance agreed to disagree, the decision to give Tanner an opportunity to launch the business ultimately belonged to councilmembers.
Tanner said Tuesday’s public input represented a benefit he hopes the coffee shop can provide, adding he valued all of the feedback.
“One of the benefits of having a coffee shop is for people to get together and talk,” he said.
“It’s a little rough because you’re hearing people say things (against the rezoning), but that’s how a conversation is,” Tanner said. “Maybe we’re not used to talking as much as we used to and I think it’s probably good for us.”
The entirety of Tuesday’s meeting is available to watch on the village’s Facebook page.
Tanner, Tuttle share presentation on The Coffee House
Tanner purchased 208 Sandusky St. in 2020 from the Huron County Land Bank for $25,000.
After he took possession, Tanner said he found the residence filled with trash, as well as several raccoons.
Three years later, as contractors were about to begin work on the residence, his vision for the project changed.
As detailed on his Facebook page, Tanner wrote he decided to pursue his dream of starting a coffee house — partnering with his friend, Katie Tuttle.
The duo shared a brief presentation Tuesday with councilmembers and visitors in attendance, including renovation pictures and multiple renderings of proposed traffic flow.
Tanner said the opening of The Coffee House remains unknown, adding more work needs to be done before welcoming customers.
“I don’t care if I open this year or next year,” he said. “Me and Katie (Tuttle) want it to be nice.
“It’s a coffee house because you want people to feel really comfortable and love it. We want people to come and just stay forever, like not just five minutes,” Tanner said. “That’s the goal.”
In other actions Tuesday, Village Council:
— passed an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1-2024, pertaining to the annual appropriations for 2024.
— approved a resolution to transfer $1,250 from the village’s general fund to the park fund for the purpose of village pool operations, commencing January 2025 and each month thereafter.
— approved a resolution declaring the necessity for the renewal of the 1-mill cemetery levy.
