Developers Jerry and Paul Fitzgerald want to build an 18-hole miniature golf course at 2070 Greentree Road on land above Rita's Italian Ice.

The Fitzgeralds own the Rita's Italian Ice building and consider the golf course to be an accessory use of their property.

Easements and leases with a neighboring veterinarian, Dr. Alan Mann, would be required for access to parking and a portion of the course. The Fitzgeralds' attorney, John Linkosky, said easements are in place to access part of Dr. Mann's property for parking and to house a temporary building for washrooms and storage.

Fifth Ward commissioner Tom Castello said Tuesday that he had spoken with neighbors about the business, which would be open from noon to 10 p.m.

"We all think it's a great idea. We look forward to it competing with Forsythe [miniature golf], which is in Carnegie," he said.

Commissioner Bill Wells was adamant that a fence is needed to protect players and to keep golf balls from straying onto Greentree Road and the businesses below.

"It's a steep cliff. There's a guardrail that's falling down [already]," he said, noting he had concerns about illumination and signs, too.

When Mr. Castello replied that he didn't see a safety issue, Mr. Wells, a former planning commissioner, was astounded.

"That's a sheer cliff that's on a slope that's greater than 25 percent," he said, adding that the planning commission attorney had suggested a zoning variance is needed.

But Scott solicitor Bob McTiernan didn't think a variance could be justified.

Paul Fitzgerald said he and his brother would place a chain across the parking lot at night, which received the approval of Commissioner David Jason.

The planning commission gave a favorable recommendation for the project on March 3.

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