Here is an older email chain from 2008, when the Bistro was trying to get their new design approved. I cut out email addresses, but there were over 20 people this was sent to, and those were encouraged to pass it along. Just more small town drama, read if you wish.
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You
might want to get the entire story before going much further. Darren
and Cyndi were advised by Larry, prior to getting an architect, to run
their plans by Main Street (LB is the present President of Main Street
and they deal with the CAB a whole lot), which has a premier architect
from Columbia onboard to help with such matters. He made the suggestion
because it helps the business to be prepared. Had they done so they
would have realized that under the present city ordinance, you cannot
add a second floor to a historic building. They might have been able to
get that changed (and still may be able to.) Furthermore, the second
floor exterior of the present plan is in no way in keeping with the rest
of the surrounding buildings...in other words, Mr Mozingo did not keep
that in mind when he designed the second floor. I suspect that they
like his modern designs for interiors....that is not a problem. But to
put a very contemporary face on the second floor is asking for trouble.
Also, I might add, Darren and Cyndi should have checked with the
city...they would need special permission to add outdoor eating. It can
be done, I think, but it needs to be checked out first. I am just
really afraid that they did not do their homework...and Mr. Mozingo is
known for his very contemporary designs and also, like so many other
architects, his unwillingness to adapt to the needs of the community. I
know this because he submitted designs for the Waites Island building
for Coastal, who requested 'classic low country plantation' and they
finally, after three submissions, had to tell him to forger it.
Suzanne, I don't know if you remember the church's dealing with Meredith
Drakeford from Sumter. He refused to listen to our building committee
and simply would not design a building like we wanted for the new
church. We finally had to fire him...and it was a very bitter matter
too. we had the same challenge with the architects for the Library.
Sometimes they appear to want to erect monuments to themselves more than
they want to do what the community needs and wants.
Please
understand that the Bistro was not turned down. The second floor
dining was turned down because it does not comply with the current
ordinance (rule), verified by legal opinion from the SC Municipal Assn,
and furthermore the cantilevered roof with expansive plate glass does
not meet the guidelines for historic preservation. There are solutions
to these challenges but highly emotionally charged demands are the not
appropriate response to find these solutions.
All
of us want to see the Bistro return and it can if we all can get past
bruised feelings and egos. Larry and I have had some 'knock-down
drag-outs' with the CAB but this time their ruling was the proper one.
Ginny
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When
I saw the emails circulating yesterday, I asked Larry about it, because
he is the President of Main Street. This is an email my mother in law
replied to someone else and copied me.
PLEASE forward this to everyone you sent the other email to, so we can slow down the rumor mill.
Kim
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After reviewing the following email, I would like to remind everyone that there are 2 sides to every story. Unless we hear the facts from Darren and Cyndi themselves, a current member of CAB, or attended all the meetings ourselves, we really do not know if what we are reading is factual or not.
Please keep the Smith's as well as the members of CAB and City Council in your prayers. They have a lot to work thru in a short amount of time. Also, remember how vital The Rivertown Bistro has been in the success of downtown Conway. I would venture to say that they are a key player in the raising of revenue for our wonderful city when you consider the amount of Hospitality Taxes they must pay to Conway, not to mention how many people travel here just to dine in their restaurant. Should they choose to re-locate to another location it would be a great loss to our city for many reasons.
Kathy -
Please keep the Smith's as well as the members of CAB and City Council in your prayers. They have a lot to work thru in a short amount of time. Also, remember how vital The Rivertown Bistro has been in the success of downtown Conway. I would venture to say that they are a key player in the raising of revenue for our wonderful city when you consider the amount of Hospitality Taxes they must pay to Conway, not to mention how many people travel here just to dine in their restaurant. Should they choose to re-locate to another location it would be a great loss to our city for many reasons.
Kathy -
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