Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Discretionary Review 3252 Nineteenth topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
After heated public debate, Planning Commission declines discretionary review and approves arcade-restaurant at 3252 Nineteenth
Summary
Following a large public hearing about prior unpermitted private events and neighborhood concerns, the commission voted 4-1 to decline the discretionary review and approve a proposed public-facing arcade and restaurant at 3252 Nineteenth Street, with commissioners urging community-benefit commitments and neighborhood outreach.
The Planning Commission on Nov. 21 declined a discretionary review request of a proposed arcade-restaurant at 3252 Nineteenth Street (commonly known as "Joey the Cat") and approved the project after extended public comment. The decision followed sharp disagreement between neighbors who said the owner hosted unpermitted private events (some with alcohol) after a city notice of enforcement, and supporters who framed the proposal as a neighborhood-serving, family-friendly arcade that creates jobs and preserves local PDR-type activity (arcade repair and machine maintenance).
The dispute and what was presented: Kevin Ortiz filed the discretionary review, alleging repeated unpermitted events and arguing the site should not be converted to a restaurant/bar/entertainment use with alcohol near schools and a primarily residential block. The sponsor and supporters said the proposed use is principally permitted in UMU/urban-mixed-use, that an arcade without food/beverage is generally not economically viable, and that recorded building permits and a temporary zoning authorization are in place while the renovation proceeds.
Commission debate and outcome: Commissioners expressed concern about the applicant's prior noncompliance with the planning department's notice of enforcement but balanced that against the project's potential to activate a previously vacant building, provide small-business jobs and operate as a mixed-use arcade-restaurant anchored by a certified kitchen. The commission voted 4-1 to decline to accept the discretionary review (i.e., not to reopen enforcement as a basis to block the project) and to approve the project as submitted. Commissioner Richards cast the lone dissenting vote, citing unpermitted events and neighborhood impacts. Commissioners emphasized conditions: staff and the sponsor should pursue neighborhood outreach, community-benefit measures, enforceable hours, and operational commitments that reduce the risk of private-event conversion.
What this will mean: The approval allows the site to operate as a combined arcade/restaurant with an alcohol license, subject to the usual building, fire, and health permitting and suggested neighborhood conditions; the decision is a judgment call by the commission balancing economic viability of an arcade-restaurant and neighborhood concerns about past enforcement and alcohol-related impacts.
Next steps: The sponsor must complete building and health permits, implement the security and operations plan reviewed by staff, and comply with any conditions the commission directed on neighborhood outreach and operating practices.
