Corydon caf serves up expansion plans

A Winnipeg businessman has tabledsomebig plans for his Corydon Village-area restaurant and lounge.

Gennaro Cianflone will appear Wednesday before the city's Board of Adjustment in hopes of garnering approval to totally revamp what is now known as Caf 22 on Corydon Avenue near Lilac Street.

City documents show Cianflone is seeking a conditional use permit and zoning approval to expand and add a second floor to the popular hangout.

The planned expansion would more than double the existing capacity of the restaurant and cocktail lounge. The second floor would be office space.

Where currently, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission has approved Caf 22 for a maximum capacity of 50 people each in the restaurant and lounge, Cianflone's plans would see that ramp up to 131 people.

The seasonal patio area would also grow from 13 to 40 seats.

"We have well over 500 support letters that have been signed on our behalf. We have every building surrounding us their full support," Cianflone said.

He's alsosent notices toarea residents, explaining his plans and seeking their support.

"We are part of a community here. This is not the business, businesses against the community," he said. "We are one. We have to work together."

City planners are recommending Cianflone's plans for the restaurant and loungebe amended slightlybut approved. They state the total capacity should be restricted to 225 people, divided75-113-37 between the lounge, restaurant and patio, respectively.

"This would be consistent with approvals for overall capacity granted for other restaurants and lounges west of Arbuthnot [Street] over the last year," the planners state.

The city is recommending the board reject plans to add a medical clinic larger than 5,000 sq. ft. on the second floor.

The plans call for the demolition of a duplex on the east side of the existing restaurant.

Despite wanting to rein in Cianflone's plans somewhat, city planners say a priorarea study of Corydon'spatio cafs and restaurants that serve liquor shows they have boosted the area's profile as a "destination district" for Winnipeg.

"Development and permit activity over the last 10 years indicate there has been a steady growth in drinking establishments.The trend in this type of development suggests that further investment is likely to continue as the popularity of theses uses in the district grows," city planners stated.

The planners do admit, however, that growth in the area's bar trade has caused conflict with residents in the past.

"The intensification of drinking establishments in close proximity to one another, has at times, become a source of discernible tension within the community," the city documents said.

The Board of Adjustment meets Wednesday at 5 p.m. The hearing is open to the public.