PC 11/10/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Discussion ensued relating to other downtown establishments that serve alcohol after 10:00 p.m., parking issues, hours of operation, and the restaurant being open later on special occasions such as New Year's. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED James Connors, applicant, commented on the interviewing process and the number of employees that will be working at the restaurant. He further noted that parking has been secured in the lot and that valet parking will be offered to the patrons. Robert Cordtz, 262 West Angela Street, noted that he is not speaking for or against the project. He inquired whether a traffic study of the area was conducted. He noted that he is not faulting the restaurant for the lack of parking but the City for not requiring businesses in the Downtown area to supply parking or in lieu fees for parking. He expressed concern with the impacts of noise on the residents from the downtown businesses at night, and events in the downtown area which create overflow parking from businesses into the residential neighborhoods. He further expressed concern with the lack of parking in the area and with the burden being placed on the residents to patrol the area. Chairperson Roberts noted that the Commission is only being requested to address issues relating to alcohol being served after 10:00 p.m. and not addressing issues relating to parking and noise. Discussion ensued relating to previous disruptions in the area, the business hours of the restaurant, and the need for restaurants to operate later in the evening. Commissioner Maas noted that upscale restaurants in the Downtown areas should not be compared to nuisance-type establishments, such as PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Kameny made a motion to make the conditional use findings as listed in the staff report and approve Case UP-99-49 subject to the conditions listed in Exhibit "B." Chairperson Roberts seconded the motion. Commissioner Kameny noted that he looked forward to Hap's reopening. Commissioner Sullivan noted he would support the application; however, he stated he was sensitive to the concerns of noise for the residents in the area after 10:00 p.m. He noted that due to this not being a conditional use permit, he would support the application. Commissioner Maas concurred with Commissioner Sullivan's statements; however, she noted that this business' customers should not be a big concern and suggested, if necessary, that at a future time the effects of noise on residents from businesses in the area be examined. Commissioner Kumaran expressed concern with the restaurant conducting business until 1:00 a.m., and he encouraged the applicant to be mindful of the concerns of the neighbors and limiting late hours to special occasions. Further, he stated that even though this is an upscale restaurant, there is a neighborhood adjacent to the restaurant and he encouraged the applicant to be a good neighbor. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3 November 10, 1999