BBT is Moving
6/13/13
And we just keep checking off the to-do list!
- Phones are in AND we get to keep our old number: 330-877-3308
- Painting is complete!
- Now working on fitting rooms, work space shelves, and putting racks together.
- Waiting on an occupancy certificate from Stark County then can apply for a sign permit for outside.
5/15/13
Know someone crafty?
Spread the word about our Handmade Market. We are looking for area artists to feature.
For an idea of the types of items we are looking for check out our Wanted: Crafters and Artists Pinterest board or submit your product here.
5/14/13
Moving forward!!!
Opening date and beautiful window display coming your way soon!
5/7/13
Hartville Board of Zoning Appeals meeting outcome
The only way to appeal was through a conditional use permit. According to the Village Solicitor they don’t offer a Use Variance. As we mentioned below we had conflicting information on that and were hoping that a use variance would be fine. Why council told us that would work and gave us an outline to follow for our argument when the Village doesn’t recognize that avenue of appeal is just further frustration.
Because they denied our initial permit (which in our opinion is where the problem started in this whole situation) their hands are tied by a zoning ordinance from the 60′s that doesn’t allow for mixed use buildings. They did approve a conditional use permit for us last night. But as we tried to make clear, the risk of putting the time and money into renovating a building to only be guaranteed a year there is too high. And even though it is unlikely someone would complain and block our permit from being renewed, all of our contracts with consignors and essentially the way we do business would need to reflect that.
On a positive note it appears that they are willing to make changes in the ordinance that would allow for retail, offices, and light manufacturing to coexist. We are working now to see how long making those changes would take. The estimate we were given yesterday was 2-3 months.
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
5/5/13
When is BBT going to open? Oh how we wish we had an answer. Here’s the scoop on what’s going on.
A few weeks ago we went into Village Hall to get the details on what forms needed filled out. We also needed to apply for an official address to move forward with utilities. We were told that we could fill out and turn in the new business info but that our permit would be denied.
What?!
The explanation we were given was that the Schumacher building sits in an industrial zone and that a retail business is not allowed. It’s a bit of a head scratcher. The building is surrounded by retail and the area we are renovating was the former retail counter and showroom for the company. There are houses and a church that also sit in this industrial district as well as a few other retail type businesses. We were told that other buildings had been grandfathered in or that the businesses that are selling to the public are considered distributors instead of retailers.
Apparently our building does not apply to the grandfathering and they do not consider BBT a distributor or manufacturer.
We were given two options. Rezone the building or apply for a conditional use permit. Neither of these are real options.
Rezoning is difficult because we are told there is no current zone that allows for both light industrial and retail and offices. The best use of the building is a mix. The owners would like to maintain their ability to lease the back portion of the building to a light manufacturer. Creating a new zone would take months if not years to accomplish.
A conditional use is actually worse. This permit has a yearly review/renewal process. With all the time, money, and effort that goes into opening and running a shop, it is incredibly risky to only be guaranteed a year in that location. This is not an option we would take.
This left us between a rock and a hard place pouring over the zoning ordinance. We really think it comes down to an oversight. Residential 1 is allowed in residential 2, residential 2 is allowed in residential 3, residential 3 is allowed in business 1, business 1 is allowed in business 2, manufacturing 1 is allowed in manufacturing 2. But it never directly says business 2 is allowed in manufacturing 1. Unless of course you are a manufacturer with a retail shop- then it’s ok.
After many meetings and phone calls we’ve been told it may be possible for us to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals, that a conditional use permit would not be necessary. It just needs to be approved by council. This is certainly best case scenario and yet we are still getting opposing opinions on whether or not this is possible.
Next Steps:
The Board of Zoning Appeals will have a public meeting at Village Hall on Monday (5/6/13) at 6pm to hear our appeal. They will either tell us that we must use a conditional use permit or that we can go ahead with just an appeal process.
If they agree to allowing the appeal we will be able to present our information to them and they will then decide if they think it’s ok or not. They make a recommendation to Village Council and council can vote on it at their meeting on Tuesday (5/7/13) at 7pm. Out of 6 council member, we would need 4 or 5 (depending on if the Board recommends our appeal) to vote yes for us.
There is no reason retail, offices, and light manufacturing can’t coexist. We’re in a new era where we are trying to revitalize the downtown, repurpose abandoned buildings, and bring business to the area. The shop owners, surrounding building owners, and council members we have talked to are fully on board with allowing retail in the building and understand the problem that comes with conditional use. For this we are grateful and hopeful.
3/15/13
Just added new renovation photos to the blog: Renovation Sneak Peek!
3/6/13
We have about two months of renovations ahead of us but will be back up and running this spring at 127 Mill St. in Historic Downtown Hartville!
3/3/2013
New location announcement coming soon! Subscribe to our email list here: http://bit.ly/BBTemailnewslettersignup to be the first to know!
11/30/12
New logo is official!!! (Very excited about the new jewelry tags too!)
10/30/12
We got a chance to look at 4 buildings this past week, all in Lake Township. Hoping one will work out. We’ll keep you posted!
8/10/12
Looking at a couple possible locations this week. Have you checked out our Etsy shop yet? It’s our online store of vintage housewares, clothing, and handmade items. You can find it here: Top Drawer Finds
4/24/12
Still looking for a suitable location to lease or buy. Keep your eyes and ears open for us. We are looking for 1,800-3,000 square feet in the Hartville, Uniontown, North Canton, Green, Kent, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, or Tallmadge areas.
3/26/12
Just when we thought we’d be ready to make a new location announcement, another wrench gets thrown in. We’re working it as well as options B-Z. 
3/23/12
Are you crafty?
We are looking to expand our selection of handmade items. Please fill out the Handmade Market Submission Form to submit your product to Best Bib and Tucker for consideration.
3/22/12
We are working on a contract for a new location! We’ll let you know as soon as everything is set in stone. We can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces.
1/20/12
Thank you for all the survey responses! If you have any further thoughts or know of some crafters making great locally handmade products feel free to email us.
1/12/12
Update:
We’re excited to tour new locations this month! Help us shape the new store by taking this 5 minute survey: The New Best Bib and Tucker. We look forward to hearing your opinions and thoughts! (1/20/11- survey is now closed)
11/20/11
Update:
We are now closed for winter. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we find and remodel a new location! See you all in the spring
10/11/11
Update:
Our final day at 1138 W. Maple St will be November 19th.
Consignors:
You will receive a phone call from us when your account has been processed and returns are ready. Most calls will be made this month. All returns must be picked up by November 19th, otherwise they will be donated. For those of you who chose to have unsold items donated. Your items will remain on the sales floor. Final checks will be mailed if you have not stopped by to pick them up.
9/13/11
Dear Customers and Consignors,
As many of you know, our landlord has our building up for sale. Over the past few months we have been looking for a new location. We received word September 2nd that a potential offer has come through and that we will need to leave by the end of the month.
Because we have not found a permanent location that truly meets our needs, we will be relocating to a temporary location. This way we are able to meet our contractual obligations with our consignors AND you will be able to shop all of the amazing fall pieces we currently have in stock.
We will be open for business at our current location (311 S. Prospect Ave.) through Friday, September 23rd. We will reopen at our temporary location (1138 W. Maple St. – Behind Aunt Cindi’s Donuts) on Thursday, September 29th.
We will be operating on our normal business hours during the month of September. For your convenience we will be adding additional open hours in October and November.
Our plan is to take a winter break with a super exciting re-opening in a permanent location in the spring of 2012.
To stay updated visit our website: www.shopbestbibandtucker.com. There you can register for our mailing list, check our hours, and follow along as we show sneak peeks of the new shop. You can also use the contact form to send any questions our way.
Extra Information for Consignors
Moving to a temporary location will allow your current items to be sold and processed as usual. Those of you with late August/early September due dates will be called between September 15th and 19th. October’s processing will occur mid-month. Returns will be ready to be picked up after you have received a phone call from us. We will not be taking winter consignments.
We will do everything in our power to make this transition as easy as possible for everyone. We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
Warm regards,
Barb and Megan Wise
Best Bib and Tucker
