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Planning commission continues review of 1865 Post Street music permit after theater neighbors cite noise
Summary
The commission continued a conditional‑use request by a Japantown restaurant to add live amplified music after nearby Sundance Kabuki Cinemas and property managers reported sound bleed into auditoriums and spa facilities. Commissioners asked for soundproofing plans and a decibel study; the item was continued to Sept. 13, 2012 (4‑2).
The Planning Commission on a 4‑2 vote on Aug. 16 continued a request by the operator of a Post Street restaurant to add live, amplified entertainment to weekday and weekend evening hours, saying more technical detail is needed to protect adjoining businesses.
Planning staff said the proposal at 1865 Post Street would add "other entertainment" use to an existing 5,900‑square‑foot restaurant (staff: Christine LaMorena). The operator, James Chen, told the commission the venue is intended to serve the Japantown and Pacific Islander community and to create jobs. "I'm willing to cooperate with them, and I will do everything I can," Chen said when neighbors raised concerns.
Nearby tenants including Nancy Gribler, vice president of marketing for Sundance Cinemas, and Lindsey Grace of the building owner told commissioners that weekend amplified shows already staged in the space have caused "very strong sound bleed through the shared walls into our building," forcing refunds and complaints from moviegoers. "Before we can even consider supporting their proposal, we must see that they've done considerable work to make sure that amplified music will no longer seep into our building and our auditoriums," Gribler said.
Commissioners debated options to address the complaints. Several members said the planning record lacked a sound‑attenuation study or construction plans showing how noise and vibration would be controlled. Commissioner Mike Antonini said, "If it was found that we are unable to attenuate the noise making it compatible with either the massage or spa activities adjacent to it or theater ... it would influence our decision whether to approve or not." Several commissioners suggested conditions tying approval to work by the Entertainment Commission and the city sound inspector.
Commissioner Sugaya moved to continue the item so the applicant and adjacent tenants could agree on soundproofing plans and so staff could include more technical data. The motion to continue to Sept. 13, 2012 passed 4‑2; Commissioners Cindy Wu and Phan voted no. The public hearing remains open; the Entertainment Commission will also review permitting and decibel standards before a final license is issued.
