Residents living near the Guardian Pest Control corporate offices on Cline Avenue in Griffith have now been assured the building will be used as just that.
The Town Council on Feb. 20 voted unanimously to accept a final recommendation for the building at 1535 Cline Ave. to be zoned Professional Business. The classification ensures Guardian can conduct only administrative work at the address.
Council President Rick Ryfa, R-3rd, said after the council took no action on the Plan Commission’s favorable recommendation to allow Guardian a B-3 zoning designation, its zoning became effective as a PB. Council members then negotiated with it to limit its functions to administrative only, he said.
When Guardian originally came before the council, residents were concerned about the storing of highly concentrated chemicals onsite as well as keeping carcasses on the premises up to 24 hours before disposal. They were also concerned it would operate its second business, a junk-removal service, out of the location, officials said.
Ryfa said the business agreed to keep its exterminator functions at its Highland location; if it doesn’t, Guardian can be fined up to $2,500 a day until the violations are corrected.
“This is enforceable,” he said.
Neighbors are hopeful the PB designation will be the answer.
“I’d rather it be a PB than a B-3,” said Jennifer Long, who lives behind the business. “And I’ll be really glad to not have the trucks in the parking lot.”
Interest in the former Griffith Golf Center, on Cline Avenue north of Ridge Road, meanwhile, has caught on. The council voted unanimously to issue a request for proposals for the site. The town would like to develop 10 of its 55 acres, though it will need to raise and fortify the property’s south end by eight feet, Ryfa said.
Additionally, Ryfa said the town will welcome six new businesses to the town, including the relocation of Romano’s to Griffland Plaza from the now-closed Soprano’s, 840 S. Broad St. Soprano’s, meanwhile, will be converted into Shipwrecks, a “destination seafood restaurant,” officials said.
In other business, the town voted 5-0 to pass the cost of water meters along to residents and businesses with new construction. The meters currently cost $265 or $300 for residential and $2,190 for commercial, though increases should be anticipated.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
