Planning Commission OKs wine shop at 427 W. Las Tunas Drive after public concern about future uses

The San Gabriel Planning Commission on Monday approved a conditional use permit allowing Grapevine Central SG LLC to open a retail wine store at 427 West Las Tunas Drive.

The permit (planning case CUP25-003) allows off‑sale retail of wine under a Type 20 license and was approved 4‑0. Staff recommended approval with conditions addressing security cameras, coordination with the San Gabriel Police Department and operational limits; staff also determined the project exempt from CEQA under Guideline section 15301 (existing facilities).

The applicant, Henry O of Grapevine Central SG LLC, described the business as a 500‑square‑foot specialty wine shop emphasizing organic and biodynamic selections and community participation. “Wine is not just a beverage. It’s a mean to create connections and foster relationships,” Henry O told the commission, adding plans to participate in local events and sponsor charities.

Why it matters: the site sits in a C‑1 (retail commercial) zone adjacent to single‑family homes to the north and medical facilities to the south; staff evaluated proximity to sensitive uses and included police‑recommended conditions to reduce public‑safety impacts. The department of Alcoholic Beverage Control records show five existing off‑sale retail licenses within the immediate area, which staff listed in the report.

Commissioners questioned minimum distance checks to nearby Washington Elementary School; staff said their neighborhood review uses a 500‑foot radius and that Washington Elementary is more than 500 feet from the subject property. Staff confirmed the resolution would be corrected prior to finalization to remove erroneous references to on‑site consumption or sale of prepared food (the permit is for off‑sale alcohol only).

During public comment, resident Cindy Reemers of 138 Franklin Avenue said she welcomed a wine store in the neighborhood but asked whether the CUP could prevent the business from later converting to a mini‑mart selling lottery tickets, cigarettes or single‑serve alcohol. “We’re just worried that that use might change,” she said. Staff and the city attorney advised the commission that some uses permitted “as‑of‑right” in the C‑1 zone would not require a CUP; therefore the commission’s ability to restrict all future merchandising beyond the approved wine retail use is limited.

The commission voted 4‑0 to adopt the staff recommendation with the conditions of approval in the draft resolution. The motion was made by Chair Schwartz and seconded. The record shows the police department’s review and the inclusion of camera and coordination conditions that allow the police department to request re‑evaluation if public‑safety calls increase.

The applicant’s hours were listed in the staff report as 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sundays. Staff mailed notice to properties within 300 feet, posted the site and advertised the hearing in the San Gabriel Sun on March 19.

The planning commission’s approval allows Grapevine Central to finalize building permits and ABC filings consistent with the conditions of approval. Staff will correct the draft resolution language noted during the meeting before publishing the final document.

Votes at a glance: Planning case CUP25‑003 (427 W. Las Tunas Drive) — approved 4‑0.