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Commission denies Roosevelt Avenue bar rezoning after broad neighborhood opposition
Summary
Commissioners recommended denying a rezoning request for 1301 Roosevelt Ave to allow a bar, following extended public comment describing crime, parking shortages and past problems when a bar operated there; applicant said he would provide security and limit hours.
The Zoning Commission recommended denial of a rezoning request for 1301 Roosevelt Avenue that would have permitted the applicant to open a small bar and social venue.
Applicant Mark García told commissioners he hopes to create a small neighborhood venue and said he and his wife would operate the place and hire security for events. "No vamos a vender licor, solamente vino y cerveza," he said while outlining hours and security plans.
But the hearing drew many neighbors who opposed the rezoning on grounds of crime, parking and quality‑of‑life impacts. Denisse Valentine, a nearby resident, said the corridor has struggled with repeated problems and asked the commission to protect households from increased late‑night activity. Other speakers cited a history of bars attracting trouble and listed multiple nearby licensed establishments and motel properties they said contribute to public-safety concerns.
Commissioners discussed the area’s history, a 2018 downzoning intended to protect a World Heritage corridor and whether the proposed use would be compatible. Multiple commissioners said the density of existing bars and the lack of clear neighborhood support weighed heavily.
After extended debate the commission voted to deny the rezoning request and recommended the applicant pursue additional neighborhood outreach before returning. Staff will include the hearing record in the council packet should the applicant pursue appeal.
