Because I don't know all the details, I won't really judge anything.
But, as far as I know, Panini Cafe already operates in Corona Del Mar and they just want to move to a larger location, but parking is tight.
I don't understand the big deal with that. None of the restaurants on that block have good parking, and you always have to park on the side streets to go to them.
You just accept that. And if you live close to Coast Highway, within the first block of these restaurants and shops, you live with it.
Did the people who live on Goldenrod, next to that Starbucks, or next to Zinc Cafe complain about the potential lack of parking when those places opened up? Or how about Gary's Deli or Ruby's? All four places are always overflowing with people, who park on the side streets behind the restaurants. I don't remember if they "took action" like they have against Panini.
Drunks at night? What about the Quiet Woman, or Bandera or Landmark (Carmelo's) Restaurant. I used to live within a block of some of these, and I just accepted the "night life."
Anyway, we still live in a Free Market Economy right? If the place is successful, doesn't that help the community?
Anyway, this email was forwarded to me. (note - this item is being continued to the November 27 meeting because of a publication error)
November 6, 2007
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In seven short days, the City Council will decide how we should live our lives. Here’s what you can do if you've had enough bad decisions made regarding your QUALITY of LIFE! URGE THEM TO VOTE AGAINST THE CAFE PANINI MOVE & EXPANSION.
Get all of your neighbors to show up at the Council meeting on November 13 at 6:30 pm. WE NEED TO EMPHASIZE OUR VALID POINTS WITH NUMBERS! Many people make an impact. NUMBERS SWAY COUNCIL VOTES.
Ask as many neighbors and friends as possible to send e-mails in the next 7 days. We can unite across the city; others WILL have empathy for us. Be sure everyone emphasizes the listed points below.
hbludau@city.newport-beach.ca.us, SWood@city.newport-beach.ca.us, parahdigm@aol.com, curryk@pfm.com, mhenn527@hotmail.com, lesliejdaigle@aol.com, edselich@roadrunner.com, Gardnerncy@aol.com, don2webb@earthlink.net, dailypilot@latimes.com
THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE WE HAVE. MAKE SURE YOU USE IT.
* IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE MADE
1.) Negative Long Term Effect on Quality of Life for CdM Residents: This is tied into the new General Plan Update regarding specific land use in CdM as being zoned a "residential" neighborhood - not "commercial" like Newport Center is zoned. Ed Selich, The City & community's goal for the "Vision Plan for Corona del Mar" is supposed to improve the quality of life for CdM residents - This congestions, traffic, additional parking and alcohol related incidents, etc. does just the opposite.
The 2006 General Plan, approved by the City Council states in its Vision Statement:
“The successful balancing of the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors has been accomplished with the recognition that
2.) Increased Public Disturbances - Night noise, More trash, Alcohol related incidents; increase in DUI incidents citywide; Upon land use approval restaurant will most likely apply for full bar permit in future, etc.
***When the Panini site was presented to the Planning Commission, they had not done an impact study on the lives of residents nor a parking study. This means CdM residents get to have more pollution: noise, car drunks, workers LOUD radio, LOUD alarm systems going off after 11:00 PM, and trash from all of the above; not least of all, LESS parking for YOUR home.
3.) Increase in Traffic & Parking - Extremely limited parking lot situation, Increased street parking will result in already highly congested area, Increase in restaurant delivery trucks, etc.
There are NO spaces for employee parking on site in the Panini plan as other restaurants must have. To park employees off site is not a workable nor permanent solution. [Unless the homeowner wants to monitor them).
4.) Overall Imbalance & Too Much Restaurant Zoning Congestion - Important Note: Panini has five years left on current lease as is. The Crow Bar will open soon, etc. Plus, all the existing dining establishments in a one or two block area...
The new Panini location is being accepted by making EXCEPTIONS for the site to the existing code regulations for PARKING. The Planning Commission had NOT done an impact on residents OR a parking study before they granted the Panini move. Why did they not?
Not having an impact study means the use permit was changed from a retail store to a full-Service restaurant. Why? We already have 10 alcohol-serving restaurants in 1/16 of a mile in CdM.
Do we need more?
PLEASE ATTEND THE NOVEMBER 13TH CITY COUNCIL MEETING....AND VOICE YOUR CONCERN.
URGE THE COUNCIL NOT SHOW THE SAME LACK OF LEADERSHIP THE PLANNING COMMISSION DISPLAYED ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE.
URGE COUNCIL NOT TO APPROVE THE CAFE PANINI MOVE & EXPANSION.
Thank You!
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