HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-2015 Item 16 - Lopes (2)RECEIVED
SrP-16 2015
COUNCIL MEETING:
SI_C't QTS CI_FRK ITEM NO.:_ f(V _._, -
Good Evening, Mayor Marx acrd members of the Council:
I'm James Lopes, a resident of San Luis Obispo and member of Save Our Downtown.
I filed the appeal with Sandra Lakeman on behalf of Save Our Downtown. Our
organization seeks to protect and promote the historical character, contextual design,
livability and economic success of downtown San Luis Obispo.
The project actually amounts to a large nightclub with five bars and six drinking
lounges, and by the way a bowling alley, which itself typically involves drinking. If
allowed, this project will be the largest drinking place in the downtown, with over 25,000
square feet, and an occupancy potential for 1,118 patrons.
I'd like to delve into the project with you. The slides which I want to show you are
of the floor plans, with key locations shown in pink for bars or drinking lounges.
1. The first slide is of the ground floor, and shows a central surround bar and three
lounges in this large room. Please note that the large restaurant is not easily
accessed from the kitchen, and no restrooms are apparent for the kitchen. The
three sidewalk patios include a lounge and two dining areas, for a total of 74 feet
of tall openings. The Club/Theater is on the left, with two bars and a lounge on
the lower left, which would serve up to 393 people. A wide roll -up door could be
open to the restaurant at all times, emitting sound outside through the sidewalk
openings.
2. The next slide is of the mezzanine floor with bowling lanes, served by a bar on
the right. A center drinking lounge is proposed to be a karaoke room; and on the
upper left, the club drinking lounge which would overlook the stage.
3. The third slide is of the basement and shows a large bar and lounge which is
directly accessed from the Club/Theater, and it is surrounded by a performers'
green room, a dining room and offices.
The total of five bars would serve anyone in the dining area, the club/theater, occupants
of the six drinking lounges, the bowling lanes and gaming tables, serving up to 1 118
people.
I would like to point out errors by the staff and Planning Commission in their
analysis, Findings and Decision. More details are contained in our August 31 Comment
Brief.
1. First, the Decision will harm not only the health safety and welfare of people
living or working in the vicinity, but also those who are visiting downtown, and
these were not mentioned in the first finding. The project, as a mega — bar
nightclub, will generate unacceptable outside noise. The project will also enable
many people to become inebriated, some who will act badly outside. The
Decision erred by not considering detailed public information which shows that
crime has increased dramaticall as the number of bars and restaurant/bars has
increased in downtown. Alcohol-related bad behavior and crime will increase
with the project, and they alone will harm the public's health, safety and welfare.
2. The Decision was not consistent with General Plan policies, by only citing one,
older general policy. As the largest bar complex in the city, the project is contrary
to recently adopted General Plan policies that "The City shall promote a healthy
mix of downtown street -level businesses that emphasizes retail stores, specialty
shops and food service, rather than bars or taverns ... The downtown should
remain the focus for nighttime entertainment , cultural events and related
activities. It should be a pleasant arra safe place at all times." These policies
were adopted just this year in the LUCE update, after City surveys found that 59 -
60% of respondents considered "alcohol-related crimes and problems 'very
Appeal of PC Decision —1144 Chorro
City Council
Presentation By Save Our Downtown
September 15, 2015
serious' or 'somewhat serious", and wanted fewer bars downtown. These policies
responded to these concerns, but were ignored and not addressed in staff
reports or by the Commission.
3. The Decision was not consistent with Noise Element policies to minimize
"obtrusive sounds, including... loud music," to "avoid conflict with other desired
activities in a quiet setting," and that the project shall be "designed and
constructed to address public safety and welfare." Loud talking and yelling,
recorded and live amplified music will broadcast outside, bounce off overhangs
and the opposite buildings. Instead, the Decision relied on complex procedures
and required only "reasonable efforts" by the applicant's staff to close windows
and doors and control people.
4. The Decision was not adequately consistent with the 2012 Alcohol Outlet
Amendment, finding that all five bars are accessory to the restaurant use. Only
one bar is located within the restaurant area; the other four bars are located in
the gaming area the club or in lounges. Having food available will not reduce
public safety problems since patrons will be able to order drinks exclusively at
any dining table. Therefore, all areas will potentially serve alcohol exclusively.
Clearly, the four bars oriented to the lounges and concert venue can be
described as bars or taverns, which require a finding of "public convenience and
necessity" This finding did not compare the "public convenience and necessity"
of the four additional bars and six drinking lounges to the public safety problems
associated with them.
5. The Decision erred in finding that the project will locate uses which contribute to
pedestrian traffic. The project is not consistent with these policies since a
percentage of patrons will engage in careless or rowdy behavior upon arriving,
occupying and leaving the use. They will interrupt and dampen the pedestrian
experience along Chorro and Marsh Streets.
6. The Decision erred in finding that "the proposed use is compatible with the
project site and with existing and potential uses in the vicinity." It ignored the fact
of the Wineman, a nearby residential use. Even by Alcoholic Beverage Control's
somewhat lax standards, this project is not compatible with its neighborhood.
7. The Decision erred in making a finding that the project will not create significant
transportation impacts. As I stated earlier, the project will impact the safe and
pleasant travel of pedestrians. The coming and going of patrons will overcrowd
these sidewalks, uncomfortably and perhaps dangerously.
The Project will cause traffic impacts by the driving of patrons who need to
look for street parking spaces. The Project will increase parking demand much
more than the 16 additional spaces required over the previous retail use.
Typically, this use would be required one parking space for every four people,
which would amount to 280 spaces, or 215 more than were required.
Conclusion: We have pinpointed reasons that the Planning Commission Decision was
inadequate, mistaken and in error. We ask that you deny all, or the objectionable parts,
of the proposed project and give your advice to the owner on what is an acceptable use
at this center of downtown. This is the high point of the city, with four bars already within
one block. A bowling alley may be fine, but the outsize scale and number of the bars
and club/theater is inappropriate in our residentially -oriented, small-scale downtown.
Thank you for your consideration.
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