At the most recent Planning Commission meeting on the evening of Jan. 6, 2026, members of Lakewood’s Planning Commission and the public gathered for the first meeting of the new year. The meeting was scheduled to run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The commission is an extremely important, underappreciated group in Lakewood. They are responsible for making zoning and land-use decisions, site planning and development for these sites, policy updates, subdivision and lot (land or parking) splits and historic preservation, all while hearing from the general public.
A typical meeting begins with the pre-review session lasting about 30 minutes. During this time, committee members can speak informally with applicants before the official meeting. Afterward, the commission holds a review meeting, where they officially address the agenda items and required hearings are held at the podium.
Like most public meetings in Lakewood, public participation is part of the process, with some rules in place as follows:
Each commenter is limited to topics related to the agenda, Planning Commission issues, or concerns in the Lakewood community.
Commenters should address their comments to the Planning Commission. Comments should not be addressed to previous commenters.
All commenters are limited to three minutes of public comment unless they have appropriately pooled their time.
Public comment can be limited for a particular meeting due to the meeting length.
Following roll call, the commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The election of the 2026 chair followed. Nicholas Lapointe was nominated and accepted the position without opposition. Lapointe then made a motion to nominate William Sanderson as co-chair. Sanderson accepted the nomination, also without opposition.
After being elected, Lapointe then took his oath of office. “I, Nicholas Lapointe, the first duty sworn according to law upon oath to close and say, I will support the Constitution of the United States and the state of Ohio and the charter of ordinances of the city of Lakewood, and will faithfully discharge the duties of the Planning Commission of the city of Lakewood,”
The commission then reviewed docket No. 01-01-26 at 16806 Madison Ave., presented by Lakewood residents Evan Fogarty and Fabrizio Cario. The pair sought approval for a Bar/Tavern use permit to operate an aperitivo bar, with alcohol service, small plates, and associated interior improvements.
“The proposal is an interior-only conversion of an existing ground floor space into Cini, an Italian-inspired upper-tier (TiVo) bar offering seated cocktail service, espresso, and small plates,” Fogarty said. Fogarty outlined the layout using blueprints and shared the anticipated hours of operation.
Cario addressed concerns related to residents living above the proposed business. “There will be no outdoor service, no live entertainment and low-volume on-hand music,” he said. Fogarty emphasized the pair’s commitment to minimizing any impact on neighbors. The pair also discussed noise control measures and their compliance with city regulations to ensure that Cini integrates smoothly into the current neighborhood while providing a unique and enjoyable experience.
Together, Fogarty and Cario presented a thorough plan that combines their creative vision for Cini with compliance to community standards. Their proposal demonstrated awareness of zoning requirements, safety regulations and consideration for nearby residents.
The commission approved their proposal unanimously, and the Planning Commission meeting of Jan. 6 was adjourned.
