HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/18/2009CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Planning Commission Minutes
June 18, 2009
Regular Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Eaton, Unsworth, Hawkins, Peotter; McDaniel, Toerge, and
Hillgren— all were present.
STAFF PRESENT:
David Lepo, Planning Director
Aaron Harp, Assistant City Attorney
Tony Brine, City Traffic Engineer
Patrick Alford, Planning Manager
Russell Bunim, Assistant Planner
Ginger Varin, Administrative Assistant
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
None
POSTING OF THE AGENDA:
POSTING OF
THE AGENDA
The Planning Commission Agenda was posted on June 12, 2009.
HEARING ITEMS
SUBJECT: MINUTES of the regular meeting of June 4, 2009.
ITEM NO. 7
Motion was made by Commissioner Unsworth and seconded by
Approved
Commissioner Hawkins to approve the minutes as corrected.
Ayes:
Eaton, Unsworth, Hawkins, Peotter, McDaniel, Toerge and Hillgren
Noes:
None
SUBJECT: Chronic Taco (PA2009 -050)
ITEM NO. 2
4525 B W Coast Hwy
PA2009 -050
A use permit for an eating and drinking establishment that would supersede an
Denied
existing Use Permit (UP2001 -041) and allow for the following:
• A change in operational characteristics and land use classification from
take -out service, limited to a full- service, high turnover eating and drinkin
establishment.
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
A 1,500 - gross - square -foot expansion (including 1,065 square feet of ne
public area) for the purpose of providing an additional dining and bar area.
Introduction of a new alcoholic beverage outlet with a Type 41
Beverage Control (ABC) license.
A use permit for a parking waiver that would supersede existing Use
(UP3139 and UP1798) to allow for the following:
A parking waiver for the 18 additional spaces required for the
eating and drinking establishment expansion.
Assistant Planner Russell Bunim gave an overview of the staff report. He
then answered the following questions asked by Commissioner Eaton:
➢ 10 spaces identified as "stacking" for the Jack in the Box drive - through
lane as part of the total parking for the site; how does it relate to the
Zone Code: This stacking was approved with the Jack in the Box use
permit application as part of their waiver and is not typically counted
as required parking per the Zone Code.
➢ Recommendation for approval of the waiver of the requested 18
additional Code- required parking spaces relies entirely on the parking
survey conducted on the site in late April and early May. How would
the results be affected by summer season tourist parking, a better
economy, more successful operation of the other food services
establishments in center, if the proposed operation is a sports bar?
➢ There is an influx of visitors to the area in summer months; however,
traffic studies and parking surveys are not typically done during
summer months and are done during April and May as it allows for a
mid -level average. Staff can not predict parking based on a better
economy or the other food service establishments that have been
there for a number of years. The proposed operation as a sports bar
would create more of a peak demand during certain sporting events
that would be done in the evening, and the survey shows there is
plenty of parking available.
➢ Condition No. 5 states no live entertainment is permitted; Condition
No. 20 regulates noise emitted by live entertainment, which is correct?
The second sentence in Condition No. 22 will be eliminated as that is
the condition that relates to live entertainment noise.
➢ Condition No. 4 states no more than 863 square feet but Condition
No. 6 states maximum occupancy shall not exceed 297 persons in the
interior of the building and 15 persons on the smoking patio. -
Condition No. 4 will be changed to reflect 1,065' square feet and
Condition No. 6 will be eliminated, as there is no smoking patio.
➢ Condition No. 10 indicates a requirement of one space per 40 square
feet of net public area for a total of 162 spaces. Is the total number of
spaces expected to be provided on site and does that include the 10
"stacking" spaces in the Jack in the Box drive - through lane?
➢ _The _162_spaces are to be provided on site and include the 10 stacking
Page 2 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
spaces for the Jack in the Box approval for their use permit.
➢ Should there be a one or two year review of the proposal based on the
parking uncertainties if this is approved?
➢ If the Planning Commission would like a review, staff asks for
direction.
Commissioner Hillgren asked about the applicant/property owner /operator. Is
the center owned by the same developer? Who were the parking consultants
and what are their qualifications?
Mr. Bunim answered the applicant is the operator; however, the second part
is for the parking waiver and the owner of the property is aware and has
signed the application. The property owner is not here tonight. There are
reciprocal easements across the sites to where Jack in the Box needs the
other parcel for parking and for ingress /egress to their site. The parking
consultant was recommended by the Public Works Department.
Mr. Tony Brine, City Traffic Engineer, noted the firm is Transportation Studies,
Inc. and is an on -call contract that does significant number of traffic counts
and on the occasion parking studies as well. This firm has been working in
Orange County for over twenty years.
Commissioner Hillgren asked about the time, number and demand of parking
space use. How quickly do patrons rotate out to free up parking spaces?
Mr. Brine answered the existing use is for take -out, so there is a quick
turnover and, in terms of parking spaces, it is a small number. The required
parking for the new uses is much larger in terms of what is necessary for the
restaurant.
Mr. Lepo added the ratio of one parking space for 30 square feet to one
parking space for 50 square feet range; if there is a longer stay at the new
facility, you can consider looking at one parking space for 30 square feet
instead of the 40 or 50 as that adjusts for that parking difference. You can
adjust the provisions accordingly.
Commissioner Hillgren questioned Condition No. 6 and asked if the
occupancy limit of 297 persons is appropriate in that building. Is there a
revised number we should be contemplating?
Mr. Bunim answered staff would look into that.
Commissioner Unsworth questioned the address noted on the resolution and
address numbers listed for other uses in the center. He questioned if the food
sold in the 4533 facility is part of the calculation in determining that 50/50 split
between alcohol and food sales? The premises for the application are not
4525 and 4533, it's only 4525A.
Mr. Lepo clarified the portion strictly for take -out versus the sit -down part
Page 3 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
Mr. Bunim added, in the resolution the reference to net public area of 1,065
square feet and in the staff report, it mentions that the suite they are moving
into is a 1,500 square -foot gross addition to the existing establishment; that is
being included as one total restaurant and will supersede the existing use
permit and the project plans reflect that.
Commissioner Unsworth asked about the ability for someone to get fast food
and then slide over to the stand -up bar and order a beer? Is the condition to
report sales of alcohol to food new?
Mr. Harp answered the condition has been imposed on other applications and
reflects how the City deals with this type of use and is an ABC condition. He
suggested that the final plans designate the take -out and dining portions.
Commissioner Unsworth asked:
➢ Are the two parcels owned by the same entity;
➢ Do they have cross - easements;
➢ Are there CC & R's;
➢ He noted his concern if one parcel is sold.
Mr. Harp noted he had not reviewed the easement documents and therefore
can not opine on them.
Commissioner Toerge noted that in order to grant an off - street parking
waiver, one of four findings has to be made. Staff noted that the first three
findings cannot be met so, there is possibly only one that this application
could meet and that is, "the parking demand will be less than the requirement
in Section 20.66.030.° That is based upon this parking survey, not a parking
study, which is a count. This is inconclusive and does not give me enough
confidence that the parking demand would be less. There are several 20-
minute parking spaces that were not discussed; there is a practice of trucks
off - loading in the drive - aisles that is not discussed; and, there are many small
compact spaces. I have seen regular sized vehicles taking two spaces. A
parking study that is meant to satisfy one of the findings we have to make,
needs to study these items as part of the overall comprehensive plan, not just
do a four -day count in the springtime. He agrees that the first three findings
can not be met and the parking survey is not adequate to make the last
finding.
Daniel Biello, founder and applicant of Chronic Tacos, noted:
➢ Serve 700 customers a day who arrive on bicycles or walk -in traffic
from the beach;
➢ Due to the beach traffic parking security and signs are posted;
➢ Parking surveys were done during spring break, which is a busy time;
➢ He presented menus for distribution and provided numbers from other
stores where he serves alcohol;
➢ He has two other stores that sell beer and wine that represents 5
percent of the sales;
➢ There will be an extra station where food will be served on both sides;
Page 4 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
➢ It will be run like two different shops with a central food service;
There will be three holes in the existing wall, one will be a walk -
through, one will be a pass- through window for the bartender or
service area, and the other will be a cross - through from customer area
to customer area.
➢ The one other store he has serves 5 percent alcohol sales and
another store he has serves 15 percent alcohol sales; it is very hard to
get to a 50/50 ratio.
➢ The whole idea for this application is to get bathrooms and seating
areas for the customers.
➢ This is a busy restaurant but the rent is not cheap and won't be able to
add more sales that without the alcohol portion.
➢ He agrees to close at 10 p.m.
Commissioner Hawkins asked and was answered:
➢ Customer percentage that ride bikes — 20 to 30 percent; there is a
bike shop next door and Mr. Bielo is in discussion with the shop
owner to do a more org anized bike rack awa y from the parking,
perhaps in the back, and projects an increase of 10 percent of sales
with this renovation for bathrooms and a better atmosphere.
➢ Current restaurant is simply seating, no take -out — yes, that is the only
way a restaurant could go in there.
➢ Have another restaurant in Triangle Square — he is the franchisor and
founder of the company; he owns eight of his own restaurants and the
rest are franchises with a total of twenty -four stores. Triangle Square
is an empty food court and is next door to a night club. They have a
good relationship with the City of Costa Mesa Police Department. The
cantina concept came from Cabo but there is too much risk.
➢ Where are the other stores — one In Corona in the Inland Empire that
has a bar in it and has over a million dollars in sales, and one in
Huntington that closes at midnight.
Commissioner Unsworth noted the additional space is for people who are
waiting to get their food, are you intending to have fifteen flat screen
televisions in there? It seems that when you introduce several flat screen
televisions it's more than people waiting for food or eating food and be on
their way. It sounds more like a sports bar where people come in and get a
seat and have drinks during the athletic event.
Mr. Billeo answered he would like to have people stay, at least 20 percent of
the clientele, to order beer and tacos and enjoy themselves.
Commissioner Unsworth noted with that you estimate that only 10 percent of
gross revenues would be from the sale of beer? Mr. Billeo answered
absolutely.
Commissioner Eaton noted Condition No. 16 prohibits the sale of alcoholic
beverages for off -site consumption. Do you have a way in your other
operations to control that so that you don't get take -out and beer to go? They
could go over to the other side and get a beer and still leave.
Page 5 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
Mr. Biello answered there will be no safe of alcohol on that side. They must
go to the one side to pick up beer and sit down. They are not going to be
able to get a beer in line on the fast - service side.
Commissioner Hillgren noted he visited the site and saw the amount of
people being served. The new space will be somewhat a sports bar -like with
pool tables? What are you expecting for seating? Is there a tenant
association to try and solve some of the operational issues? What about
parking and towing? What about transient parking such as cabs waiting for
fares and there was somebody parked lengthwise with a trailer using six
spaces. What about those?
Mr. Biello noted there will be no pool table as he needs the room for seating.
There are 46 seats allowed per the application. There have not been a lot of
operational issues for awhile except in the back where the liquor store could
not keep it clean in the back storage container area. Last year they stopped
doing the towing; however, I need towing in that parking lot all day long and
they use to do that. Last year and the year before, we complained about that
and it is back now and you can see security walking the lot to check on the
cars. My deliveries are at the back door. There should not be trucks in the
front and, if there is, it is the liquor store. The bike racks are for the bike store
and they do not allow anyone to share.
Commissioner Hawkins noted he had talked to the bike shop owner who
indicated the majority of the customers were on bikes. Beer would not be
handed to anyone in the food line, they would have to exit out and come back
around.
Mr. Biello answered yes; there is quite a bit of clientele coming from the
beach using bikes. I can give them a ticket to give to someone on the other
side so they can be rung up at the same time. I don't have the ability to keep
running back and forth to grab beers for these people. There will always be
staff there.
Commissioner Hawkins noted the plans show a pass- through at the bar and I
think you reference that.
Mr. Biello answered that is a food pass- through. It is not allowed to pass beer
through.
Public comment was opened.
George Schroder, local resident, noted his opposition:
➢ It is too much business for the parking that is there now.
➢ There is a problem with the parking survey and those numbers don't
make sense. If this venture goes through it will be a nightmare.
➢ He noted his concern there being one liquor license per 29 people on
the Peninsula and the statistics on the Peninsula with the high police
Page 6 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
calls.
The application will not serve the residents of Newport Beach well. He
asked for denial due to parking and crime rates in the adjacent
reporting districts.
Cindy Kohler, local resident, noted her opposition:
➢ There are three other facilities serving alcohol at the center.
➢ Close to residential areas and a park behind the facility.
➢ The parking is constantly a problem. You can't find a place to park
most of the time. People use this center for beach parking.
➢ Take -out from 7 a.m. to midnight would just add to traffic, noise and
congestion that are already there in that strip -mall area.
➢ He is advertising pool tables at the establishment now.
➢ The Police Department knows this area is used for the selling of drugs
and drug use and has seen it there.
➢ The applicant has a pattern and history of code violations in other
locations. The Upland store is problematic and at that store there use
has now been revoked due to multiple law enforcement activities and
police calls for service.
➢ It is time for the Commission to address these issues and prohibit
them from this area in West Newport, we have enough problems now.
She then described the current problems experienced by the local
residents.
➢ More beer and wine service in that center with a parking waiver is
nothing but trouble for our services in these economic times; it is
terrible to put that burden on the Police and Fire Departments.
Joe Reese, local resident, noted his opposition:
➢ Give the operator more square footage for a restaurant only, not a bar.
➢ Doesn't agree with the business plan given to the Planning
Department. They state they want this to be a sports bar with all
those televisions and that is what they will be.
➢ The residents look for protection from the Planning Department and
Police Department as far as saying when is enough, enough? Over -
concentration within these two areas makes up over 37 percent of the
ABC establishments and is 35.5 percent of the arrests done by the
Police Department. We are already impacted by alcohol
establishments.
➢ One parcel belongs to the center and one parcel belongs to the Jack
in the Box. He distributed pictures of the Jack in the Box parking lot.
➢ Look at the history of clientele.
➢ There needs to be more resident input with more public noticing.
Brenda Martin, local resident, noted her opposition. She noted there are
rehabilitation facilities in the area and there is no need to add another alcohol
serving business. It is not safe for the residents.
Daniel Biello, noted:
Page 7 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
➢ Parking issue — It is not as bad as people say, during the summer
there is a lot but nine months out of the year there is open parking.
➢ Cantina concept has more problems and it was built to compete with
Sharkey's; however, this facility is not that concept.
➢ Expects 10 percent increase in sales.
➢ Has never had an issue with the Police Departments where he has
establishments.
➢ The Upland establishment was a cantina concept opened until 2 a.m.
selling full liquor and a full security staff. There was a live
entertainment permit with dancing, bands and karaoke. This project is
not that type.
➢ As he has been in business for 8 years, he deserves approval of this
application.
➢ He wants to expand the store to include bathrooms and storage. This
is not a bar and he does business with the schools and the military.
Commissioner Hawkins asked about the franchisee, Keith Sheinberg. He
was answered Mr. Sheinberg was a partner at Chronic Cantina in Upland and
was the chief executive partner and ran it into the ground. The City of Upland
did not want us there; however, there was a drive -by shooting and a killing in
the immediate area. This was a bad area to have moved to, so it was closed.
Commissioner Hawkins noted if we put in a condition to limit the ability to sell,
transfer or franchise this store would that be acceptable?
Mr. Biello answered he can not sell that store as his contract stipulates.
Commissioner Unsworth asked about the people who are in the restaurant
side as it closes at 10:00 p.m., are they invited to leave or can they put in an
order at 9:59 p.m. for a pitcher of beer or whatever and stay for a couple more
hours, and, can somebody from the restaurant side get a beer and then walk
over and get in line and have his beer while waiting for a take -out?
Mr. Biello answered the he can get a beer and then get in line, unless there is
an issue with that. The 10:00 p.m. issue is a slow time, so they will start
clean -up to close down.
Commissioner Unsworth stated that new orders for alcohol stop at 10:00
p.m., everything else ends at midnight. How is the beer sold? Can someone
order a pitcher of beer at 9:59?
Mr. Biello answered both pitchers and bottles of beer are to be sold. He
would have to check with the ABC, and would follow the rule that alcohol is
finished at closing time.
Chairman Peotter asked staff if that was the intent of the condition to stop
service at 10:00 p.m., or that they have to actually not have alcohol at 10:00
P.M.?
Page 8 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
Mr. Lepo answered it is not as specific as it should be and should say that all
beverages have to be off the table at 10:00 p.m.
Mr. Biello noted everything will be cleaned up by 10:00 p.m. as he wants to
be a good business owner.
Commissioner Hawkins asked about the Police report with regards to the
closing time of the expanded eating and dining area closing at 10:00 p.m., at
which time all alcoholic beverage service and consumption is discontinued.
This side would close, not with respect to beer and wine but close. It is
proposed that the existing kitchen and dining area remain open for take -out
orders only until 12:00 a.m. If there was a condition to that affect, would you
have a problem with it?
Mr. Biello answered he would not have a problem with that condition.
Chairman Peotter asked staff to modify Condition No. 8 to accommodate that
Detective Bryan Moore, Vice and Intelligence Unit with the Police
Department, noted he deals with ABC and all matters pertaining to bars and
restaurants and off -sale locations. When we review new proposals to
introduce new alcoholic beverage outlets, several things are considered, type
of establishment and type of liquor license that is being requested and how it
relates to the City Council K -7 Policy. Even though Chronic Tacos is within
an area where the number of crimes is at least 75 percent higher than the
average of all reporting districts in the City, it is by definition a restaurant, at
least as proposed, and does not fall under the criteria of a bar, cocktail
lounge, cabaret or nightclub as outlined in the Policy. Therefore, the Police
Department can not say that public convenience and necessity will not be
served by granting an additional retail alcohol outlet. Additionally, we have to
look at the Reporting District 16 that has a mixed commercial - residential use
and has a propensity for business growth. That has to be weighed and
balanced with the safety and welfare needs of the community. Another
consideration is the operator's history with the Police Department as a
responsible business owner. As far as the Newport Beach location is
concerned, the reports and calls for service wouldn't indicate otherwise.
Consequently, we drafted our memo with several recommendations for
conditions for approval. We have concerns with the hours of operation and
recommended that the dining area be shut down at 10:00 p.m., which means
last call will be at 9:30 p.m. The existing kitchen area will remain open for
take -out only. We hope to eliminate the service and consumption of alcohol
before or at least by 10:00 p.m. but allow them to remain open two additional
hours for take -out orders. Several other conditions were recommended to
assure that Chronic Tacos remains an on -sale eating establishment and
doesn't morph into anything that would resemble a bar or nightclub. In
addition to city Use permit conditions, ABC will ask for recommendations for
conditions for that license as well and at that time we will recommend those
for that license to compliment and work in conjunction with the city use permit
to address any needs we have as far as public safety is concerned.
Page 9 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
Commissioner Hawkins asked if there are still outstanding concerns based on
previous discussions by the Planning Commission, assuming this application
is approved. If conditions are implemented and put into force and effect, do
those concerns go away?
Detective Moore answered those concerns were addressed in the memo.
Commissioner Unsworth asked during the investigation, was traffic movement
within the parking lot considered as a traffic issue? Do you look at
ingress /egress as far as fender - benders and parking issues?
Detective Moore answered those issues are left up to the Traffic Engineer.
His interest is specifically related to the alcoholic beverage service.
Commissioner McDaniel asked, in your opinion, what the difference is of the
ten flat screens in the restaurant and ten flat screens in a bar?
Detective Moore answered that by definition a bar is going to be strictly for the
purposes of serving alcoholic beverages. This particular establishment has
been conditioned to serve food in conjunction with the alcohol, which by
definition makes it a restaurant not a bar. I understand the televisions allow
people to stay for an extended period of time but that is why those conditions
are there as far as the ratio of food to alcoholic beverage sales to minimize
this concern.
Commissioner Hawkins asked if the ratio was reduced to 20 percent alcohol
and 80 percent food, would that affect the operation from an ABC standpoint.
Would you feel more secure that the operation would not lead to more of a
bar?
Detective Moore answered, yes, that would help. We can address those
issues with the ABC license and they don't like to dip below a certain
percentage in the ratio, which he recollects is 30 percent.
Commissioner Unsworth asked about the proportion of gross sales reports
being reviewed by the Police Department.
Detective Moore answered no, he has not seen any.
Commissioner Hawkins asked staff about reporting based on alcohol versus
food sales.
Mr. Lepo answered that what has been discussed in the past and what we
just heard from Detective Moore, is that we prefer that the ABC have the
condition and that if there is a problem, that information can be retrieved and
used. In the past, there has been discussion that the Planning Department
go through those records to make sure there is compliance. We are not bean
counters and that requires a lot of man - hours.
Page 10 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
problem, do you believe either the PD or your Department
problem demanding those records and going through them?
Mr. Lepo answered, no, as long as there is no quarterly reporting. If there is a
problem this would be a useful tool.
Public comment was closed.
Commissioner Toerge noted this is not a cantina and despite the outrageous
behavior in the other locations, those issues are not an influence as it is a
different community and a different program. However, this concept of
'deserve it', I think our community deserves that we follow our Municipal Code
and that is what we do have the authority over. The staff report is complete
or refined as to what our obligations are and they have to do with the parking
study and the findings related to alcohol. With regard to parking, I mentioned
earlier that we have one finding that we have to hang our hat on in order to
approve this application, and that is the parking demand would be less than
the requirement in Section 20.66.030. The parking survey doesn't give any
conclusions to make that finding. What that parking study would require is a
discussion of the twenty- minute reserve parking areas and that is probably
not going to be used for the dining area. I was on site today, it was not a beer
truck that was there, it was a truck off - loading for the Jack in the Box; that
should be studied. The suggestion that 30 percent of the customers use
bicycles, that should be studied and should be represented here. The
effective use of those compact spaces, how are they really used? That is
what should be included to help make that finding; none of these issues are
discussed. The parking survey is not adequate and does not serve the
purpose.
Whether the use serves a public convenience and necessity, this does not
serve a necessity. For convenience, there are 3 or 4 alcohol serving stores in
that center, so for convenience how is it more so to go next door? The crime
rate in the Reporting District and adjacent Districts as compared to other
areas in the City are just not acceptable. The crime rate is 30 percent higher
than the average and in the adjacent one it is 300 percent higher. How do we
make that finding? The number of alcohol license per capita in that district is
about 40 percent higher and almost 1800 percent higher in the adjacent
district.
Motion was made by Commissioner Toerge and seconded by Commissioner
McDaniel, to deny Use Permit UP2009 -012 for the Eating and Drinking
Establishment and deny Use Permit UP2009 -020 for Parking Waiver for the
reasons just submitted.
Commissioner McDaniel stated that what is being asked of us at this location
is to give up 18 parking spaces and that waiver would run with the land. That
applicant could go away; however, we would have this waiver attached to a
beer and wine license use permit. The understanding is the need for space
for storage, bathroom and dining; but I have a problem with the concept that
you need ten flat screen televisions to do that. This could potentially turn into
Page 11 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
a sports bar and that strip mall can't accommodate it. Parking is another
problem, even now that there is a need for a tow truck on a regular basis.
That is not an area where I would agree to give up 18 parking spaces as that
is congestion that is over the top whether it is peak season or not. This
application should be denied.
Commissioner Hawkins requested to include 'without prejudice' in the motion,
meaning the application could be renewed within 12 months. There are a lot
of concerns with the inadequacy of the parking survey, etc. and maybe the
applicant could get a study done.
Commissioner Toerge answered that if his concern was related only to
parking, then absolutely as the parking survey is not conclusive. Nothing is
going to change the Reporting Districts crime rate issues and so forth. He is
not prepared to amend his motion.
Chairman Peotter asked for a second on the proposed amendment and
hearing none, the amendment failed.
Commissioner Hillgren stated he hears that the applicant is not prepared to
run a sports bar; however, the he agrees with the issues raised by
Commissioners Toerge and McDaniel. This is a gateway to our Peninsula
with significant operating challenges, and not having the owner here who will
have a piece of property with the benefit of these permits in place without
addressing the operating issues and leaving it to the applicant is completely
inappropriate. You have the smallest space within the center and are
anticipating generating a significant amount of additional traffic, parking and
operational challenges to the center; it strikes me as poor planning and
inappropriate. For us to consider this makes no sense. Not to say if you
come in with the ownership and a plan to address all of the issues that have
been raised tonight and others, I would be willing to think about it. As it is
now, it just would not work for this piece of real estate.
Commissioner Hawkins stated something like this restaurant would work in
the space. That center is old and has gotten a shot in the arm with the
Japanese restaurant and I have every reason to believe that the expansion of
this restaurant would upgrade and benefit the center. I agree with the
concerns that have been mentioned and encourage the applicant to work with
other businesses to see what can be done about circulation and other issues.
Chairman Peotter noted the alcohol is an issue but the conditions proposed
by the Police Department are sufficient to address those issues. I look at this
more like a pizza place that serves beer and there are a lot of them that have
televisions that allow patrons to watch games while eating pizza. It doesn't
change it into a bar because it has beer sales or televisions. The parking
issue is worsened by the beach parking and the fact that you need a tow truck
to keep the unauthorized non - customer from parking on the lot shows there is
an overall problem on the Peninsula and not that there is one on site. He
supports the project.
Page 12 of 13
NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 06/04/2009
Ayes:
Eaton, Unsworth, McDaniel, Toerge and Hillgren
Noes:
Hawkins and Peotter
• *s
NEW BUSINESS:
City Council Follow -up — Mr. Lepo noted there was an Rem to adjust the lot line
provisions of Title 19 Subdivision Code. It was a minor clean -up and passed on
a 4 to 3 vote. It was to come up for a second reading but has been put on the
agenda as a business item for next Tuesday for further discussion.
Planning Commission reports. — Commissioner Hawkins noted the Economic
Development Executive Committee met and discussed their support of the
Restaurant Bids request for additional funding in the amount of $25,000.
Announcements on matters that Commission members would like placed on a
future agenda for discussion, action, or report — none
Requests for excused absences — It was determined the next meeting would be
July 23, 2009.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:20 p.m.
BARRY EATON, SECRETARY
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION
Page 13 of 13