Commission approves Field 44 private hitting suite at 8764 Tyler Blvd.; staff to monitor safety measures

The Mentor Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a private hitting-suite concept, associated with Field 44, to operate at 8764 Tyler Boulevard.

Applicants Kent Bondy and Joe Mariano said the concept offers private hitting suites by appointment and operates on a membership/code-access model similar to 24/7 fitness centers. "It's this whole concept is by appointment... a member can go in there. They would reserve a time online, and they can... have their own code to get in," one applicant explained. Staff told the commission the tenant would occupy about 1,500 square feet within an 11,600-square-foot building and recommended eight conditions to address operational and safety concerns.

Commissioners questioned what would happen if a patron were injured when no staff were present; applicants said they will employ cameras, an AED and a medical-alert system to summon help. The motion to approve the CUP with eight conditions passed on a roll-call vote; staff will follow up to ensure the safety equipment and operational procedures are documented.