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Planning commissioners approve Pete's Coffee expansion at Lakeshore Plaza after neighborhood concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission approved Pete's Coffee expanding into an adjacent storefront at Lakeshore Plaza, doubling its footprint to about 1,800 sq ft, after staff recommended conditions and commissioners urged continued neighborhood outreach and stronger waste-sorting practices.
The Planning Commission on a unanimous vote approved a conditional use authorization for Pete's Coffee to expand into an adjacent storefront at Lakeshore Plaza, increasing the café's space from about 900 square feet to roughly 1,800.
Planning staff, represented by Stephanie Cisneros, told commissioners the expansion involves minor interior and exterior alterations and does not change the building envelope; the department recommended approval with conditions and noted neighborhood groups had not received all pre-application notices. Cisneros said the proposal “is on balance, consistent with the objectives and policies of the general plan, and meets all applicable requirements of the planning code.”
Stefano Casselato, a consultant for Pete's, and a Pete's representative described the location as a long-standing tenant and said the expansion would add seating (from about 11 to 39 seats) and reduce the number of vacant storefronts. Casselato said the process took eight months and that the sponsor had completed the pre-application packet per department instructions.
Neighbors and community groups urged caution. Bill Kianceney of the Lakeshore Acres Improvement Club said homeowners did not receive the pre-application meeting notices and asked the commission to continue the matter until an on-site meeting could be held. Barbara Kansany, who lives adjacent to the shopping center, described problems outside the plaza and told commissioners she had asked Pete's management to address loitering and safety issues; Kansany said staff from the mayor’s office and the supervisor had been involved in follow-up.
Commissioners balanced those concerns with land-use considerations. Commissioner Johnson, who moved to approve the project, said neighborhood engagement is important and encouraged the sponsor to “continue to work with these neighbors and with the supervisor's office.” Commissioner Richards, while voting in favor, highlighted operational conditions on composting and recycling and said he would follow up on compliance.
The approval passed 5–0. The commission attached standard conditions and directed the applicant to coordinate with the supervisor's office and neighborhood groups on outreach and operational issues such as waste sorting and site management. The project will return for any required follow-up as specified in the approval conditions.
