HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-2015 Item 16 - MarshallFrom: Sunday Riekki [mailto:sunday c�auzcodev_.con7]
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2015 4:41 PM
To: Marx, Jan
Cc: Lichtig, Katie; Hamish Marshall
Subject: Meeting 9/15/15 - Bowling Alley Project
Dear Mayor Marx,
Good afternoon.
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COUNCIL MEETING:
ITEM NO.:' -- - .....
Per Mr. Marshall's request I have attached his letter outlining his concerns and
suggestions regarding the Bowling Alley project for your review and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sunday Riekki
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Assistant for Hamish Marshall
Phone: 805.706.2915
Fax:805.439.0663
Hours in the office: Monday thru Thursday 8:OOam to 5:OOpm
Dear Mayor Jan Howell Marx, September 14, 2015
I am writing with regards to the Bowling Alley project that was recently appealed and that you
will be hearing on Tuesday night. As someone who is deeply invested in this down town I feel the need
to voice my concerns for certain parts of this project.
First let me say that I am in favor of the over all concept but the shear size of this project
concerns me greatly. A 24,000 SF facility with 5 bars is simply too big and out of character for our
community. The same ownership has a similar facility in Ventura that is 16,000 SF and despite other
speculation they, the owners, say this facility is doing great. A 16,000 SF facility is far more in keeping
with our down town and would be far more acceptable to many people that have concerns with the
viability of this project,
Secondly, I am disappointed in general that the Planning Commission approved the
consolidation of 5 bars in one facility after City Councils direction has clearly been to not allow the
proliferation of liquor licenses in our down town core.
Thirdly, we have had much debate over the morphing of restaurants into bars and night clubs.
The project applicants request for a tam close will facilitate this exact thing. Additionally many
requests from other business owners in town have been denied in the last 12 months so to entertain
this request would simply be unfair and inappropriate and could have far reaching consequences.
In summary I believe this concept could be positive in some fashion for our down town but it
needs to be reduced in size so as to reduce the risk and exposure to the City and its existing
businesses. This facility should be a single story facility with nothing else but offices in the basement.
There is absolutely no need for additional bars in the basement or upstairs. As someone who is active
in the industry I remain skeptical and concerned with the overall viability of this project yet I am willing
to support it with the changes I have out lined.
I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday night for some, hopefully, deep discussion on this
issue.
In advance I appreciate your careful consideration of mine and others concerns and
suggestions,
Re ards
Hamish Marshall
President
AUZCO Developments
W: (805) 706-2915 Ext, 1
M: (805) 459-5101
835 Aerovista Place, Ste. 230, an L WS OWSPO. CA 9 340 *1