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Salinas council upholds planning commission, denies off‑sale alcohol permit near elementary school
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Summary
After a contested public hearing, the City Council voted unanimously to uphold the Planning Commission’s denial of a conditional use permit for an off‑sale (type 21) alcohol license at Laurel West Shopping Center, citing undue concentration and proximity to a school.
The Salinas City Council on Jan. 27 upheld the Planning Commission’s denial of a conditional use permit that would have allowed a convenience store to sell beer, wine and spirits at 1018 North Davis Road.
Courtney Grossman, staff, told the council the census‑tract analysis shows the area already exceeds the locally allowed number of off‑sale licenses (six active vs. a limit of five), creating an “undue concentration” that requires a finding of public convenience or necessity (PCN) before an additional license can be granted. The planning commission had concluded the applicant did not establish PCN and also cited the project’s proximity to an elementary school and another off‑sale license about 500 feet away.
John Bailey, representing the applicant, urged the council to consider the economic benefits for a small, local convenience business and argued existing data are outdated. Bailey asked rhetorically, “Do you support small business?” and said the proposed use would offer one‑stop convenience for nearby customers.
Opponents — including neighborhood advocates and the youth council — said adding another off‑sale license would increase exposure of children to alcohol and contribute to neighborhood impacts. Council members questioned whether the census‑tract methodology accurately reflects nearby outlets and whether notice to schools is appropriate; staff said notification is required for schools within 300 feet.
Council member Jose (motion maker) moved to uphold the Planning Commission’s denial; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously: Council members Barajas, Barrera, de Arrigo, Dela Rosa, Salazar, Sandoval and Mayor Donahue voted "Yes." The effect is that the appeal was denied and the applicant’s request was not approved.
The decision preserves the planning commission’s findings on undue concentration and proximity to sensitive uses. Staff noted that if the council had overturned the denial, different CEQA categorization (and possibly additional environmental review) might have applied.
