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Commission continues Great Star Theater permit while planning department records are compiled
Summary
The commission continued consideration of a place‑of‑entertainment permit for the historic Great Star Theater (636 Jackson) after the planning department indicated a denial and staff and applicant requested more time to document continuous historical use; the item was continued to the Feb. 3 hearing.
The Entertainment Commission on Jan. 20 voted to continue action on a place‑of‑entertainment permit for the Great Star Theater at 636 Jackson so the applicant and staff can address planning‑department concerns about zoning and historical records.
Representative Mark Rennie described the Great Star as a 1925 Chinese opera house with original seats, a 50‑foot fly tower and Chinese‑language neon; he said the venue historically hosted Chinese opera and early Bruce Lee films and that the applicant had evidence of continuous use through fire department records, subject to a two‑year break rule for historic determinations.
Staff noted the planning department issued a denial and indicated that additional coordination—particularly with planning and police—was needed before the commission could act. The applicant requested a continuance to Feb. 3 to assemble records and work with planning staff. Commissioners moved and seconded the request to continue; the motion passed with recorded ayes from Commissioners Frost, Lee, Moscianis, Perez and President Bridal Tan.
Staff said that when the planning department’s concerns are resolved staff will return the application for full consideration. No final permit decision was made on Jan. 20.
