Commission approves three Tawa Gateway tenant permits: escape room, arcade and hot‑pot restaurant alcohol CUP

The San Gabriel Planning Commission on May 11 approved three conditional use permits for new tenants at the Tawa Gateway shopping center on West Valley Boulevard.

Staff presented CUP26‑002 to allow Soul Escape Room to occupy a roughly 8,434‑square‑foot space (unit 102). Conditions include a prohibition on sale or consumption of alcohol on site, posting of signage to that effect, and a centrally monitored alarm system. Staff told the commission that the use is a class‑1 CEQA exemption (Guideline §15301) and that parking requirements do not change because the tenant space previously housed retail.

The commission next approved CUP26‑005 for a claw‑machine arcade and retail concept (identified in the record as Kawaii Claus) in a 2,321‑square‑foot tenant space (unit 122). The staff recommendation included similar public‑safety conditions (alarm system and police review authority) and noted no change to parking demand from the previous retail use. Finally, the commission granted CUP26‑004 allowing the on‑site sale and consumption of beer and wine at an existing hot‑pot restaurant (unit 213) subject to surveillance and alarm requirements; staff noted the restaurant is remodeling and that no new building area is proposed.

Commissioners voted unanimously on each CUP with the commissioners present (Commissioner Tang absent). Applicants confirmed acceptance of conditions during the hearing. Staff flagged that police may request re‑evaluation of any CUP for public safety reasons if issues arise post‑approval.