Liam Lahey Contributing Writer CLOUDS hung over David Rickert’s out- door patio deck Monday. The owner of North ncouver, Laundry Services op East 12th Street appeared before North Vancouver City council to plead his case at the city ordered him to dis- mantle the structure. Rickert built the deck adja- cent to his building. It's similar to one built by the restaurant next door. Rickert: built his without a building permit and refused to take it down when Rickert assured council. I took over this busines few years ago and there's limit- ed seating there. People sit there (on the outdoor deck) throughout the year while they’re waiting for their laun- dry. I get people from all over the world passing through and they think it’s (the patio deck) fantastic. “It's an advantage to my business as the seating space within the store is terribly con- gested.” Rickert told) council hed ing to pay for any applicable fees or ta Council's main’ concern tthe structure may be with craftic on the be sidewalk, “There are mailboxes aper boxes on the § that do more to obstruct “The public asked me to build this thing, so I did. The whole s flourishing.” stella Jo Dean asked Phe thought it would be acceptable for other busi- nesses to follow suit and disre- gard the cjty’s bylaws. “TD oppose the existing bylaw, I'm nor in retail, Pra in the service industry” he replied. “People have to be there to do their laundry and I have to accommodate those people. It’s also a mecting place, people meet there and end up getting married.” Said Dean, “You may want to incosperate a dating service there as well then. By oppc ing the bylaw t brought this on to yourself.” All members of council seemed genuinely bothered that Rickert went ahead and built the deck, but Coun. Barbara Sharp was the first to suggest’ Rickert had done them a favour. “1 recognize there are those of us who have the luxu- ry of doing our laundry in the comforts of our own home others can’t,” she said. “These davs, people don’t COUNC! wantote teave then Laundrs unattended.” The deck estends approni mateh mine tect 12.0 re anit trom the faundremar bur there's sull another 10 teet nip af open sidewalk space for the public to use Rickert argued Tits deck was dentical to that of a ne busines, He led to see why he should be denied one. “TP shouldn't sav E oppose the bylaw, that’s the wrong word to use,” he explained to wun. John Braithwaite. “Ir irks me (the bylaw). This isn’t outdoor dining. [don’t under- stand, If my deck is obstruct- ing sidewalk traffic then sa. is everyone clse’s.” Despite breaking the rules and show no remorse, “There are those of us who have to use laundry services . You have to stay there while doing vour laundry and most laundromiats are dead spaces,” reasoned Sharp. “Pm not saying this laundromat will become the Chapers or dam service of North Shore, but we're in the process of bringing people and businesses together and T preter staff looks more exten at accommodating this concept. particularly in’ the Lower Lonsdate are With othe exception of Dean all af the councilors and Maver Jack Loucks agreed staff should: return to an open dialogue with Rickert) and keep his patio deck mtact. “Eve been there once and I never got a date,” deadpanned Coun. Darrell Mussatte. “Fm going to have to go back ... Plike Ag an animat- ed street and there's a possibil- ity here to do that. don’t like the fet t this gentleman built a structure contrary to our bylaws and then flouts it in our fiees, but Pn in favour of a compromise.” Council will also revisit the sting bylaw (No, 6234) to ider changes. Council directed staff to conduct: a study of the entire North Shore’s businesses to see how future situations might be avoided by becoming — less stringent: when dealing with the city’s street. P. North Vi _ 324 East-Esplanade The Mattress Factory Chrisimas Special | Need an extra bed? Seefes ey Includes: solid pine Sofa } bed frame, triple foam core Futon, scotchgarded futon yam cover, pillows and me fillow covers. eee” Compare of $805 YOUR CHOICE Complete sofabed or complete mattress set on B07 Queen Size Mattress Set Compare at $1000 While quantities last. Pattecas mar, ¢ary Friday. December 11. 1998 — North Shore News - 5 be eee yo NEWS photo Mike Wakefield DAVID Rickert, the operator of North Vancouver Laundry Services, had to appear before North Vancouver City councit Monday to defend his deck. “L don’t have too much r Mr. Rickert,” while explaining for supporting a compromise with Rickert. “Em not too impressed with him, he could have come before council much sooner than he did. Bur PH vote for this idea to look at it and see what staff can come up with. If he can keep it (the deck) then others should have the same privilege.” a & Lexmark 1000 Color Jet Printer (with system purchase. after maii-in rebate) & Laptops, laptops, laptops trom *243 2 New UCS K611-333 systems tum *799 # Used 486/Pentium Systems from 5149 We Buy, Sell, Trade, Service, Fi nitors. printers, sottware Sold separately) SWAROVSKE COLLECTORS SOCIETY: ENJOY THE PERSONAL PRIVILEGES OF AN EXCLUSIVE PASSION Last day to order “Pegasus” is December 30, 1998 SWAROVSKI SCS