PORTAGE | Sean Castor wants to construct a casual dining seafood restaurant and bar on Delta Drive near the Portage 16 IMAX, but first he'll have to get permission from his neighbors.

The Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday tabled a request for a special exception variance to allow the restaurant to be constructed in an office commercial zoning district because covenants of the Old Airport Commercial Park prohibit retail establishments.

Architect Cleon Stutler, representing Castor, said his client would have to get approval from the majority of the property owners in the park to overturn the covenant requirements. It has been complicated, he said, because the park's committee, which governs the regulations, was recently disbanded.

Castor, who owns McCool's bar in South Haven, told the board that he has received verbal OKs from the majority of the property owners to locate his restaurant there.

Board members said that wasn't good enough. They wanted proof.

"If those covenants are public record, we have to help enforce them," board Chairman Joel Vuko said.

At least one of Castor's potential neighbors isn't happy with his plans.

A letter from dentists Stephen J. Holm and David Guzak, who operate the Airport Road Dental Associates at the corner of Airport Road and American Way, objected to Castor's proposal. They cited concerns over the covenants, traffic issues, the proximity of the proposed establishment to Portage High School and the concern the restaurant would adversely affect their patient base.

Board members tabled the request until Castor could return with proof of his neighbors' approval to not follow the covenants.