By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Village Planning Commission will meet Thursday Feb. 5, for a public hearing on two items, a site plan review for Culver’s restaurant, who has proposed building on County Road 665, near the Shell gas station, and also a site plan review for a new stage and renovations to Warner Vineyards proposed plan for its music venue.
Paw Paw Village Manager Bryan Myrkle said he has received positive public comments through emails supporting the construction of a Culver’s restaurant. Emails have stated that there is excitement in the fast-food restaurant locating in Paw Paw. “The vast majority are very excited about it,” said Myrkle.
He said the restaurant’s proposed site plan is subject to change. A late spring or early summer opening is planned.
At Warner Vineyards, business owner Pat Warner is proposing several changes and renovations to the music venue.
A wooden stage that had been used for concerts is being proposed to be moved from its current southern location to the northern property line, where it will become premium seating.
Myrkle said that Warner has experienced problems in bringing touring acts to the Paw Paw site due to the small size of the stage. Myrkle said there is an industry standard size stage that touring acts prefer and Warner’s stage does not meet that standard. With a larger stage it will allow Warner’s access to a wider array of acts according to Myrkle. In relocating the current stage to the north, Warner is proposing to place the stage on four shipping containers that would serve as its foundation. The proposed new stage would be 50 feet wide, 32 feet deep and 24 feet high. The shipping containers would be transformed into food bar sites, merchandise sales, and restrooms.
According to Myrkle, Warner plans to have 65 shows this year, with the season stepping off in May.
