Aloft Proposal Pulled by Landowner

After months of debate, Signature Square landowners Goldberg Companies has withdrawn their rezoning request that would

at Goldberg’s request, who told members they would like time to gather more information about the proposal.

But Tuesday, Goldberg's senior vice president Eric Bell sent a letter to the city. “It has become clear to us that the conditions and restrictions that would be required in connection with our proposed project make it unviable at this time,” the letter said.

would have limited anything built on the parcel, including the type of businesses and details such as car access.

Council members expressed doubt that the rezoning would have been approved.  “We didn’t have a formal vote, but I could count noses and I had a pretty good feeling that we had at least three maybe four votes against it,” said Councilman Saul Eisen. The ordinance would require at least four out of six votes to pass.

Developer Scott Berkowitz was disappointed in the decision, he said Wednesday.

“It’s a sad day for us because we think that this would have been the kind of project that would have been the impetus for growth along the Chagrin corridor,” said Berkowitz.

He did not rule out trying the hotel somewhere else in Beachwood. “The residents weren’t against the project, per say,” he added. “They were against the project in their proximity.”

“We’re never happy to see a business walk away from the city or choose not to locate there,” said Councilman Mark Wachter.

“I think we’re still on track to do it and if Goldberg is going to build an office building like he threatens to do we’re going to insist that they’re high standard,” added Eisen.

Does he think residents would support an office on the parcel instead?

“If we could straighten the traffic problem, I don’t think they’d oppose it,” Eisen said. “They wouldn’t be happy with it but it’s not their land. Goldberg is entitled to build there what would fit the land appropriately.”