Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Everyone, welcome to the Planning Commission meeting of April 9. This meeting is now called to order. Can you play the recording, please?

Pursuant to the In that regard, members of the boards commissions and the public are advised that any delay or disruption in the proceedings or a refusal to obey the orders of the board or commission where the presiding officer constitutes a violation of these rules. The city of Riverside is committed to fostering a workplace that provides dignity, respect, and civility to our employees, customers, and the public they serve.

Thank you. Commissioner Mooney, good morning. Will you please lead us in the pledge? Thank you. Alright. Now we'll go ahead and open it up for general public comment.

Public comment is now open for this item. Call (951) 826-8688 and follow the prompts to access the meeting. To request to speak, press 9. When called to speak, press 6 to unmute. You can also join via Zoom. The meeting ID can be found on the agenda.

I have no cards for commenters here in the chambers at this time. Are there any callers online? No one online. Alright. So then we will we will move forward with our public hearing. At this time, the Planning Commission will open public hearing to receive public input regarding planning case PR202073. Good morning.

Hi, good morning. Good morning. Thank you chairwoman and members of the commission. Yana Forsed, associate planner. The case before you this morning is a request for a conditional use permit to permit the establishment of a daycare facility.

The

0.55 acre project site is comprised of a single parcel. Surrounding land uses include single family residential and Riverside Community College to the south across Prospect Avenue. Business uses to the north, west, and east across Olivewood Avenue including Press Enterprise. These photos depict the existing conditions of the site. Photo one, two, and three show the site from Prospect Avenue.

Photo four shows the site looking East. The project site is zoned downtown plan, Prospect Place Office District, which allows for daycare facilities subject to the approval of a conditional use permit. The site consists of a 4,771 square foot main building, a nine fifty square foot modular building, 23 parking spaces and outdoor play areas to facilitate 117 children from infant to five years old. Vehicular access to the project site will continue to be provided via two way driveway on Prospect Avenue. Beaker circulation for the child drop off and pickup will consist of vehicles parking near the main entrance and parents entering the facility to drop off and pick up children.

Daycare hours will be from 6AM to 8PM Monday through Friday. The drop off and pickup times are staggered throughout the day. The project includes a main building with classrooms for children and the modular building for infants. The daycare facility complements the surrounding residential uses and will provide a critical community service. It will serve the needs of residents and help create a vibrant community as stated in the policies of the downtown specific plan.

The site is consistent with all the development standards of the zoning code specific plan and citywide design guidelines. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission determine that the project is exempt from CEQA per section 15,301 existing facilities and section 15,303 new construction and conversions of small structures of the CEQA guidelines as the project will not have a significant effect on the environment and approve the project based on the findings outlined in the staff report and summarized in the attached findings and subject to the recommended conditions. This concludes staff's presentation. The applicant's team is present and available for any questions. Thank you.

Thank you for your presentation. Would the applicant please come forward and state your name? Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning chair and members of the commission. My name is Gina Gibson Williams. I am representing Cherry Blossom Preschool this morning.

And are you in agreement with all of the staff's recommendations and conditions? Conditions?

Yes, we are.

Thank you. Did you want to add anything at this point?

It's just a pleasure. I want to give a thanks to staff really because it was a process. We are new to that area. And we wanted to be able to provide services to UCR and also to Riverside Community Hospital so that's the reason for the hours. You know the nurses work seven a. M. To seven p. M. And sometimes you know so it's just a pleasure to be here and thank you very much for your consideration.

Thank you. Now we'll go ahead and open it up for public comment.

Public comment is now open for this item. Call (951) 826-8688 and follow the prompts to access the meeting. To request to speak, press 9. When called to speak, press 6 to unmute. You can also join via Zoom. The meeting ID can be found on the agenda.

Any comments from the audience? Seeing no cards here for comments from the audience. Any callers? No callers. All right, may I have a, pardon me. May I have a motion to close public comment? Thank you. Thank you. I have a motion and a second, please vote. The voter's not working.

Alright, motion carries. Do we have any questions or comments from the commission? Commissioner Wilder.

Thank you. I just have a couple of questions. What age group is this facility for?

I'm Lynn Marroquin. I have one school in Glendora I've had for seventeen years. I came out this way and I felt it was important to start a school that covered police officer shift. I'm gonna also offer drop in care which is where they don't have to the parents can come like for court people that only come certain time or need to come. So I'm trying to offer something that is not in the area. The ages will be from six weeks to six years old.

Okay. They had stated in the presentation that it was five years old.

Oh, it might be five years old and that's fine. It's preschool.

Okay. Now is that going to be the same for say during summer?

Yes. We'll be open all year long.

The reason why I ask is because in the presentation layouts it showed that there was not a boy girl bathroom, but just a general bathroom for the children.

At this age, children don't have boy girl bathrooms. They have individual stalls that cover so it's single, kind of open. So the teachers are there though. It's site supervision. Teachers are always there with them. They don't use the restroom alone and what we do is we just watch to make sure that they have space for privacy, but also space so that they don't do other things in the toilet.

Yeah. No, I understand it. That's why I asked the age group that they will be attending. The other question I did have is the modular building, is that going to be on slab or is that raised floor?

She'll answer everything. Right now,

we have

to submit those plans to plan check. I believe it will they're going to require that it's going to be on permanent foundation.

With those plans, is it going to be required by staff for grading plans as well?

Grading plans were a part of the submittal. Yes.

Because that wasn't part of the submittal. Was just curious to see how that was gonna work. Can

we get clarification from staff, please?

Okay.

Thank you, Commissioner. Generally, the grading plans would be required if it's moving 50 cubic yards or more of soil. So, this site is fairly flat. So, that would be something that would need to be determined through the civil if they're gonna be moving 50 cubic yards or more. If they have a slab, they could. If it's raised, it's probably not.

I mean, small area, may

not. Right.

Yeah. Okay. Thank you.

Commissioner Tunisian please go ahead.

Thank you. I just have a comment that when I drove by that site I thought it was a perfect site for this kind of project to go in with the kids. The ingressregress is fairly simple. It's not affecting a lot with RCC across. So I really like the look of this site. Wanted you to know that.

Commissioner Singh?

Good morning. I have a question for police department.

Okay, looks like we're back online. Thank you everyone for your patience. I don't even remember what the

question Yeah, question was.

I do remember. Thank you so much for your patience on that. So my question was just to verify that Ms. Gibson and your team have of course complied with all state and county regulations for the compliance for safety and all of the other regulations regarding supervision of children in that age group. Correct?

Yes. And the supervision is like this through Community Care licensing division. It's one to four for infants and toddlers up to age two and then from age two to age five it's one to 12.

Okay, so for instance when the students are out in the play area which have paneling does or is it going to have natural green growth for any privacy? I know you've got the fencing.

I have the fencing up but you can see through the fencing. I could My other school I do have panels. I could add panels where you can kind of see through only blurry. That's fine with me but the two yards are separated because you can't commingle children.

Correct.

So they're all in their age groups. Supervisors that roam around. I have cameras outside that they can see inside and be watching also.

So there is of course the compliances that the children would never be able to be out there roaming alone.

No.

It would be with an adult supervision according to the requirement ratio of adult to child.

Exactly.

Okay. At any point, whether they're in the building, outside of the building, there's always supervision. And just to reiterate that there are policies for when a parent or someone who's authorized on the information sheet that the parent fills out in order to check-in or check out students as well as any visitors that might be coming in off just to inquire about anything related to the childcare facility that you have a is your structure in the front office, does it have any kind of natural sort of like this where you would have the public come into a reception area and then your staff that's there?

Well, there's a little office right as you come in. And in that office, someone is there to make sure that someone doesn't come

in So it's always staffed and you have the office area that looks clearly so the public knows where they can be and not going beyond a reception area.

Is that And to come into the building, you need a code. So say someone doesn't know the code and they approach the door, they ring the bell. I see. And then we answer it and find out what they need or what. And if it is someone interested in childcare, then we take them into the little office right there. They never get to go see the school unless we're giving them a tour.

And then the gates to the parking lot and the building are closed and non operational hours, right?

Yes.

Okay. And if someone should wander into the parking lot area, do you have like a security staff or would there be someone I

have who would a fence that I'm doing and it's going to be where off the parking lot there is going to be a gated fence where you come in with a code. So coming in with the code is there and there and the front door which is locked.

So parents

don't need two codes to get in.

You have tiers of level to prevent just anyone walking onto even if that I'm very familiar with the area and I understand that the transient population Yes. Depending it has its peaks and valleys and times during the day. But I do notice that when there are steps taken to provide boundaries that there is a compliance

regarding that.

Correct. And then the lighting is such that it's not it's going to do you have a lighting that's

gonna be on throughout

the entire evening to mitigate any gathering? Gathering?

Yes. The whole building is lit up. I don't know if you go drive through there one day. You'll see all around it's been lit up since the Mormon facility was there and I've kept it on and keep the lights on and I will continue to keep the lights on.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Commissioner Singh you had another question.

Thank you ma'am chair. So I just want to make a comment I think this applicant has responded questions to security appropriately which is wonderful. Thank you. I just want to add a comment for the staff in the future when we have these kinds of projects. I think it's a good idea to have conversation with our police department. We have outstanding department and they have all kinds of data they collect which I'm very familiar with. So if we can have some conversation and talk about security issues, the crime and how this will be handled especially new projects that will be great especially dealing with children. Thank you.

Thank you. Before I ask if there's a motion, I wanted to also go on record to reiterate the comments made by Commissioner Tunisian earlier. I think this is a fantastic project. I'm extremely familiar with the area. I'm a runner, so I run by this building almost every morning.

While it's still dark and I see that it is lit lit up, I appreciate all of the, precautions that you've put in place, to comply with your licensure requirements. And thank you so much for bringing this much needed service to our community. And I love the fact that you are thinking about all of the different populations that you, are hoping to serve, with your business. So, thank you very much for, investing in our community and bringing this much needed service here. And with that, I will ask if there is a motion.

Motion to approve planning case PR2025-seventeen 73.

I second.

We have a motion and a second. Please vote. All right, motion carries. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. There is a ten day appeal period. Please contact the planning division for appeal information. Thank you very much. All right. At this time, we'll move to Item three. Planning Commission will open the public hearing to receive public input regarding Planning Case PR2025-seventeen85. Good morning.

Good morning, chairwoman, members of the commission. Veronica Hernandez, senior planner. The case before you this morning is a request for conditional use permit, design review, and public convenience or necessity determination to establish a new wine and spirit shop and bar. 1.86 acre project site consists of two contiguous parcels developed with a multi tenant retail building. The site is part of the larger Midtown commercial center which includes Brockton Arcade and Riverside Plaza to the east along Sunnyside Avenue.

These photos depict the existing conditions of the site. The multi tenant building includes three tenant spaces. Big five sporting goods occupies Unit A while Units B And C are vacant. They were formerly occupied by Allen Party Supply and a salon. Project site is located within the MUV mixed use village general plan land use designation and within the mixed use urban zone which is consistent with the land use designation.

Establishments that provide off sale and on sale alcohol are permitted subject to the granting of a conditional use permit and compliance with site location, development, and operational standards project site is also within the Magnolia Center District of the Magnolia Avenue specific plan which is intended for a variety of commercial businesses to provide goods and services to the surrounding community The applicant is requesting approval of the following entitlements for the establishment of Jazz's wine and spirit shop and bar. A conditional use permit to permit off sale off sale and on sale of alcohol. Design review for site design and building elevations, and public convenience or necessity determination to allow for an over concentration of alcohol licenses in Census Tract 311. The applicant is proposing consisting of two phases. In phase one, phase one includes the establishment of the wine and spirit shop which will operate which will offer a range of specialty high end wine and spirits including limited releases and collector oriented inventory.

The establishment will also offer a small market with grab and go food and snack items. We'll operate from 8AM to 10PM Monday thursday and eight a. M. To twelve a. M. Friday thru Sunday. No on sale of alcohol or exterior building improvements are proposed for phase one. Phase two includes the operation of a 6,000 square foot bar and tasting room with a patio. On premise consumption is anticipated to focus on educational wine and spirit experiences. The bar will operate Monday through Thursday from 3PM to midnight and Friday through Sunday from 11AM to midnight.

The tasting room will operate from 11AM until bar close for scheduled events only. Phase two also includes minor exterior improvements, including landscape improvements along Bee Dee Drive and a facade remodel. As part of business operations for both phases, the operator will provide security measures including surveillance cameras, alarm systems, security staffing during peak periods, and storefront lighting. All staff members will be trained in emergency procedures and conflict resolution training as required by ABC and the Riverside Police Department. Subject site is located within Census Tract 311.

For the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control or ABC, there are 11 existing off sale licenses within the tract where two off sale licenses are permitted and 28 on sale licenses where five are permitted. The proposed license would be the twelfth off sale license and twenty ninth on sale license in the tract. This request meets the public convenience or necessity findings as the operator of Jazz's Wine and Spirits has submitted a request for a type 48 and type 21 liquor license and will agree to all conditions on the application. The proposed wine and spirit bar is compatible with surrounding commercial uses and consistent with other development in the tract including Brockton Arcade and Riverside Plaza. The proposed use will enhance economic vitality and improve consumer choice in the surrounding area.

And the project includes a comprehensive security plan as previously described. As such the use will not increase the severity of existing law enforcement or public nuisance problems in the area. As shown on the screen the project meets all minimum setbacks for the sale of alcoholic beverages. And this slide depicts the minor exterior improvements that are proposed during phase two including updated paint and facade cladding materials as well as landscaping improvements. After publication of the staff report, staff received two public comments opposing the project due to concerns about traffic, noise, business operations, and security and safety.

The project was reviewed by the traffic division and is in compliance with all requirements. It will also be required to abide by the city's noise ordinance. The applicant has provided a security and operations plan detailing measures to keep the site safe and orderly. One comment also raised the question of ensuring the exterior improvements are completed. These improvements are tied to the completion of phase two.

Jazz's wine and spirits will occupy a large vacant tenant space and complement the eclectic mix of surrounding commercial uses and shopping nodes within Midtown. The proposed use will include a unique shopping experience and is consistent with all the development standards of the specific plan, zoning code, and citywide design guidelines. Staff therefore recommends that the Planning Commission determine that the project is exempt from CEQA per Section 15,301 Existing Facilities of the CEQA guidelines as the project will not have a significant effect on the environment and approve planning case PC twenty twenty five-seventeen five-seventeen 85 based on the findings outlined in the staff report and subject to the recommended conditions of approval. This concludes staff's presentation. The applicant team is present and available for any questions.

Thank you.

Thank you for your presentation. Would the applicant please come forward and state your name? Good morning.

Good

morning. Good morning chair, commissioners, and staff. My name is Jazz Patel and I am an applicant for Jazz's Wine and Spirits and Jazz's Bar Magnolia Avenue.

Sir, do you before you go on, do you agree with the conditions?

Yes.

Okay. Recommended by staff?

Yes.

Okay. You can add.

Okay. You'd like. Well, thank you city for your time and recommendation of this project. We are proposing high quality specialty wine and spirits shop followed by upscale tasting bar and a large vacant commercial space. Our goal is to revitalize underused property and create a strong business for Magnolia Center and offer something unique professionally operated for the community.

This is not intended to be a high risk or nauseous operation. It will be carefully managed business focused on premium product, education, hospitality, and responsible services. We understand the concern related to alcohol licensing and we are committed to strict security measures, trained staff surveillance and active oversight of the property. We believe this project will benefit the area bringing investment consumer choice and positive activity to Magnolia Center while remaining compatible with surrounding businesses. We are ready to comply with all conditions of approval and operate this business in a responsible way.

I respectfully ask for your support and approval. Thank you.

Thank you. Now I'll go ahead and open it up for public comment.

Public comment is now open for this item. Call (951) 826-8688 and follow the prompts to access the meeting. To request to speak, press 9. When called to speak, press 6 to unmute. You can also join via Zoom. The meeting ID can be found on the agenda.

So we are indeed back up online. Okay. I have two comment cards here. I will start with mister Tom Powell. Good morning.

Good morning. Thank you, commission, for my opportunity to speak against this plan. My name is Tom Powell. I've been a resident here for thirty eight years. I've been frequenting well, I have several questions about the project.

Do we really need a big box liquor store, especially one that serves alcohol on-site with a huge parking lot? I heard the applicants say that they have security, that it didn't sound like it extended out into the parking lot. And has staff visited the applicant's property in Corona. I'm also concerned about the neighborhood. It's one of Riverside's premier commercial neighborhoods, which is all already struggling with homelessness, drug drug abuse, all kinds of activity going on right there next to the big five sporting goods at that location and and having another access to alcohol seems like problematic to me.

Also have a concern for a business that's within the same one mile area that's been servicing Riverside for since 1983, owned by a family that employs 10 people that some as long as thirty years. And they are not only do they already offer exceptional selections of alcohol, they their their property is spotlessly maintained. They have a brand new mural in the back promoting Riverside. Organizations like the Riverside Art Museum, the, Assistance League of Riverside, many weddings where they, provide the staff. The, I mean, it's just a an amazing, well run, well respected business.

You know, they they carry stuff out to your car. I've got ten seconds. I wish I could go home for the rest of the day, but I'm really concerned about the impact on a business that's been there for forty three years.

Thank you, mister Powell. David Lanham. Good morning.

Thank you. Thank you commissioners for your job with what you do for the city. You do a very fine job and I also wanna commend staff. I work with the city of Riverside, the county of Riverside. I work with agencies throughout Southern California, my job.

And, of course, I'm biased, but Riverside has always taken care of me. So I thank you for your service. I have several concerns that I was gonna speak on but I'll try to be brief. In the proposal, the third item talks about to allow for an over concentration of alcohol license and sets sets us track three one one dot zero zero. So, for some reason, we have a lot of businesses with ABC licenses and we're gonna put another business with an ABC license in the same area.

On page four, the second paragraph regarding census track three eleven again says resulting in high concentration of ABC licenses. Again, we are creating a liquor store placing another ABC licensed facility in this neighborhood that's already overpopulated with alcohol related businesses. Probably, my biggest concern is so so ultimately, I'm against this project because I don't believe we need another liquor store in the area that I live. I live within walking distance of this area. I've been in this house since 1979.

I moved here when I was four years old. Not me myself. My my mother and father brought me here. My biggest concern is in the in the staff report. The report states, I quote now, public notices were mailed to properties within 300 feet of the project site.

As of writing of this report, staff has not received any written comments regarding this project. Of course, staff just told us we've we have had two responses. My concern is 300 feet. 300 feet doesn't come close to reaching out to the many homes in the area. 300 feet notices probably reached the Bank of America, Sires, certainly big five sporting goods, the union seventy six gas station down the street, and of course, the little market, a catty corner to this project which sells alcohol.

So those notices went out to those 300 feet away, but it didn't reach, in my opinion, deep into the neighborhood two blocks down or maybe three blocks down. So at the very least, I I again, I'm in opposition of this proposed project because I don't believe we need a liquor store, another liquor store in that close to that neighborhood. But if nothing else, at least pause the decision until we can reach deeper into the neighborhood into the residential area and see what the impact what what the neighbors think down there. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Are there any callers? No one online and no additional speakers in chambers.

All

right. May I have a motion to close public comment?

I second.

All right. We have a motion and a second. Please vote.

Your

vote didn't go through. All right, thank you motion carries. Are there comments from the commissioners? May I I would like to start with one question, in relation to something that was, mentioned by one of our commenters. What sort of outreach did you do to the surrounding neighborhood as you were going through this process?

Hello. My name is Kelly. Nice to And, meet this is Jaz Patel. Maybe you haven't noticed that. We also have Renee here from ABC Submittal. So, if you have any questions on that, I'll let him answer that directly. Thank you. We've been working councilman. We have had community meetings. Actually, last one Super. Super. Thank you. And, the last one we had on-site where we did engage the community. We had about 75 members from the surrounding community last Easter. Actually, was last Easter weekend and we had a very lively and interesting discussion.

There was a lot of misconceptions about what we were doing so we clarified a lot of that meaning that there's a store component, coffee, food, other things like that. We addressed security at that time as well. We addressed the operational concern. We addressed that Jazz is a family owned business and local to the area and we addressed a lot of how we would run security at that meeting as well. So with the help of the councilman we've done direct outreach beyond the ABC directly to the community with their support and have showed up and presented at meetings so far. Did that that answer your question?

Yes. Yes it does. Thank you so much Kelly. Commissioner Wilder please go ahead.

Thank you. Question I have is why is the exterior improvements keyed with phase two and not phase one?

Timeline actually for execution. We'd like to get the store going so that there's revenue to support the exterior improvements. We need to submit the landscaping plans and everything else to the billing department for approval so that would be part of it. We intend to we had some really good comments actually at our meetings with the community about reengaging a mid century modern aesthetic to help support what was going on. So we're taking that seriously and we're going to bring that back to planning.

But it was really more a timeline type of thing. We'd get the store going and then as and then the bar itself would take a lot longer to execute. So they would not open at the same time.

But our goal is I understand. Our goal is to do it as soon as possible. It's not something that we want to push It's just the timing. So the longer it stays vacant it's gonna have problems. It will support as well. Our goal is to start ASAP.

But also phase two never materializes. Doesn't require that you do anything to the exterior of the building and I don't.

I'm sorry.

I'm having a hard time hearing you. I apologize.

It

could be me. You never know. Okay.

I'll try to speak up. With it being tagged with phase two, if phase two never materializes, then there's no requirement for you to do any exterior changes. I think it would, in the city's best interest for not only the city but that neighborhood. I believe that the exterior requirements should be keyed with phase one and not phase two.

If I may address that as well. With the conditional use permit request, there is no requirement for any exterior improvements or anything like that. The conditional use permit is just for operation that's requested. So there's no requirements in our code about exterior improvements.

Although we do want to do that.

We do want to redo the whole center. It's not But

the for that is about eighteen to twenty four months. So we would submit the tenant improvement for the liquor, the bar bottle shop as they call it first and get that going because it's a tenant improvement and exiting type of thing. And it's an existing condition, essentially. The story isn't really going to change or alter other than upgrades for handicap improvements on the restrooms and parking, things like that, which will all go through building and safety. And then as we're finalizing design on the exterior improvements, we'll submit those in accordance with that too.

So depending on whether you accept the CUP or not, we're probably six months for the building department submittal, and we'll start the landscaping submittal at the same time. There's no need to delay it per se. We just don't necessarily want to tie them together because of the tenant improvement versus the exterior. Just a different type of contractor, to be honest.

Commissioner Alderette.

Can you hear me?

Yes. Okay.

You had mentioned that there was a community engagement and it was a big year ago. It was very lively. You said about 75 people from the community there. Could you elaborate on some of the concerns that were brought up during that? If it was lively, I imagine there's quite a few of them and then how they were addressed.

Yes. Again. Much of what we've written back to you actually takes that into consideration. However, to expand on that directly. If I gave the three top things that I heard, they would be security, number one hours of operation, meaning that, like, how does it impact them from a late night perspective and then just what is the store? I think the biggest misunderstanding was what it was. Like, was it a pure convenience store? Or was it a different type of experience? So we took some time to really address what we meant by a curated experience. So that was a big part of the story thing.

Would you like me to elaborate on any one of those three points?

No. And that's fine. And then after those were addressed, was the community reached out again for a follow-up after that and see and address those concerns and get their feedback. And then what was the process to to reach out to the community again to have a second round of feedback?

Actually, we

For me personally, that was a personal turning point. Was an interesting year for me. I'll just leave it there. But I know Stephen helped us with the follow-up engagement and I'll let Jas speak to that more.

I mean the second one, like the first one we did, people were you know what mean, more comfortable overall. And we spoke with and answered every single one of them. Everyone was pleased. There was only a few that were concerned because they don't want alcohol, which I get. You know I mean? Nobody wants alcohol. But everybody else was pretty pleased with the concept we were gonna put in. Because it's not your typical liquor store, basically.

So my my concern would be is is the proper reach out to the community. I I used to own a business right across the street from there. So I'm very familiar with that area.

Okay.

And so at the same time being over there, a lot of people from the community in that area have reached out. So I was I was it was good to hear 75 people showed up, and I still hear feedback that the proper reach out wasn't made because they didn't know about the follow-up meetings. So that was that's my concern is is the community there being properly informed to help make that decision.

Yeah. Like the first one, there wasn't turnout good so we did a second one. And the second one was pretty well. You know what I mean?

The last one. How many how many people showed up to the very last

one? This was all about, just so you know, this was months after the initial ABC filings. We had gave that time to just get out there. And it seemed like there was a pretty core group of people who talked to each other a lot. So it was good to see that the community is pretty stable in their communication with each other, which I liked.

So through the initial ABC reach out, just that process, plus Steven who lives in the neighborhood talking to his constituents, plus the meetings that he followed up with us on and we attended, which were multiple, We really did try. I mean, short of knocking on people's doors at 07:00 at night to make sure they're home, we didn't do that. But we did. We did show up and we spent a couple hours talking to them and we let made sure everyone was heard. It wasn't very short.

And that's where we got feedback too to change the facade from. Yeah. I mean they didn't like what we did so we are gonna switch it. That's why.

Things like bicycle parking. Yeah. Just like traffic was the big one. We did an extended study follow-up with traffic actually after that meeting to just was a lot

of us actually. It took us almost six months to get feedback.

So we surveyed. We're actually under the traffic threshold for all of that. Anyway that was probably a big thing. And the Betty light

So came up a just to confirm for the last community meeting that you had, how many people showed up?

The one I was personally at was at least 75 maybe.

No, the very, very last one.

That was

the I heard there was like three or four people that showed up.

The one I was at was at least 70 That was the one I

First one was the one a lot of people showed up.

Exactly. Yeah. So my concern is that there was a big mass push out. You got 75 people show up and then if we're gonna say the community was aware of all the responses but only three or four people showed up, I feel it was really pushed out to the community to get another response.

Oh that I think that's the reverse order just to clarify. The first one wasn't good turnout. So we did a second meeting where 75 people came. Does that answer the sequence?

So I understand it. So let's just clarify how many people were at the very last community meeting that you guys had.

That was the one that was 75 people.

That was 75 people at that one?

Yeah. Okay. Yeah.

Thank you. Mhmm.

Commissioner Tunisin, please go ahead. Thank

you. I have a lot of concerns on this project. My biggest concern is the high concentration of licenses in the area that are already existing, the type of bars and restaurants that are around. I'm with the neighborhood or some of our commenters here that do we really need one more there? That concerns me and the homelessness in that area is prevalent.

There's a lot across the street. I go across the street in that whole area, the Assistance League. They're there, they're behind your building now in the back area of it. It's huge and I just don't know that this is what we need in this area. You've answered the question, but I agree with Commissioner Wilder on the landscaping.

My biggest question was, if you choose not to do Phase two, that means we don't have landscaping happening at all. I would rather see that be a part of phase one if this is what's going to happen. And then my one question for you is your security personnel are in high peak hours and what do you consider high peak hours?

Let's say if like evenings if something is ordered like let's say we have an event or something like that but we do plan on having the security for evenings if needed.

For events but the cameras and the lighting is what's on a normal basis. You are not gonna have a security guard there.

We will for the evening side, yes.

So what hours are those?

We are thinking probably around 06:00 Well to

there's two components to your question. So let me just clarify. There's the bottle shop component which is a different and security the bar component which is a different security protocol. Jazz is speaking to the bar right But let's say that both if you were on a holiday weekend, a high action time, say, I don't know, Labor Day weekend, let's say, we would plan to have security on for those types of changes in behavior from a purchasing standpoint for both the bottle shop and the bar. Bar will always have it as part of the normal operating The

other question is your hours are, and I know you're doing high end wine and liquor for the bottle shop and you know on the weekends being open till midnight, it seems like it's prohibitive for the neighborhood that it's in. That is a huge concern of mine.

So we actually shortened our own time frame without you asking. I don't know if you noticed that. We've closed down at ten during the week which is shorter than normal and we closed down the bar at twelve not two. We're not even going that late. That's actually not the traditional bar operating procedure is not our goal with this type of space.

We're not operating quite like that. As a restaurant and hospitality designer, I uniquely understand the impact of that. It's a different behavioral system that we're going for there, meaning that it's more an educational based space, a third space for people to come. It could be a gaming night where people bring their games. Who cares? We don't care. Right? It's more about community engagement and education. Think of it like when you go to a higher end restaurant and the somm talks you through your wine selection and it's fun and you have a good time. That's what we're actually at there for.

We're not looking for traditional bar environment.

Well, you for answering my questions and I still continue to have considerable concern on the high concentration of licenses in the area. So, thank you.

I turn it over to my colleague, Commissioner Melendrez, I while it's on my mind, it's something that you just mentioned related to your hours and the intent for the bar area. In your written narrative that Right. You provided to us you mentioned secondary use being on-site consumption being structured to support educational wine and spirits experiences, not high volume bar operations.

Correct.

Can you

elaborate on that?

One moment. Educational wine and spirits experiences happening at midnight. Like, how what kind of educational experiences are we planning for 11:00 at night?

We're going to heavily rely on our relationships with distributors and winemakers and things like that. So they may have clientele that they want to bring in and do an event for where they're presenting out, you know, a new product coming out, things like that. So it's about supporting the wine community through the region in a way. I'm going to assume that a lot of these types of events that people it's it's not going to start at 11:00 at night. That's true.

Most people won't be able to do it during the day. You know, these types of engagements usually you do after hours, I would say. But even the potential for a winemaker to take their staff and kind of do regional education and outreach with their own salespeople and things during the day, we could do that as well. But it would be about product announcements, what's going on in the industry, kind of a hub for that type of communication. Jazz is already doing a lot of that right now out of its small location.

And we really wanted to bring some of the educational processes that you only see right now on the coastline. You don't get anywhere near the Inland Empire. So we really want to engage that more.

And I wanted to add on. So basically like let's say evening, the thing is like cocktails. We will provide cocktails and how to make them and then my bartenders will tell you how to make them and then they'll tell you what ingredients to buy. Basically that's the concept as well too. So let's say they make a cocktail and you're like hey what goes in, how do you make it and they'll be able to provide it to the store and you'll be able to grab those products. So it's like a dual, you know what

I mean? Thank

you for that. I'll have more questions but Commissioner Melendrez.

Thank you. Yeah, I'm a little less concerned but what I would like to know and I think I'm clear on some of it but your background in running this type of I mean this type of business. And then I'll proceed with my second question.

So I'm in retail for three generations. You know what I mean? So there was my dad. I took it to the next level with the current store. And now I wanna grow in something different, know what I mean? Bring something that's like you see in the orange, you know I mean? Beach areas.

Can you elaborate on the other store though? Talk a little bit about what you're running.

Currently?

Currently.

So currently we have a, it was a regular liquor store that we bought and we turned it into a high curated liquor store as well. So it's a dual, you know what I mean? But we wanna take that to a next level basically and this is what the concept we wanna do. Is take take the convenience, not like, you know what mean, mass turnover products and just turn it into a curated.

Okay. And then with the location, the land, did you purchase it? Are you leasing it? How is

We that bought the land.

You bought the land. Yeah. Okay. And the homeless

people

were there when we were selling paper products out of Allen's.

So right now like the biggest problem, I do have security that goes around but it's a vacant lot. So you're gonna have more homeless right now. Once we go in, there's gonna be less because there's more traffic, you know I mean? If there's people in and out, homeless are not comfortable. Usually when they're comfortable there's nobody there. So I think it will help out in general. You know what

I mean?

Yeah. If need be, would you guys be open to adjusting the hours?

Oh 100%. This is something that I requested. That doesn't mean I'm gonna have those hours. You know what I mean? But like our goal is not that. Even like on Sunday till twelve, that's not what we're gonna do. It's gonna be less. Right. But we're asking, you know what mean? But we will work. That's not something that we want. Know what mean? We want the community to be happy locally. You know mean? That's the key component.

Okay. Thank you.

Yeah I think that's why we started with amended and shortened hours anyway. If I guess generally speaking we could have said 02:00. But we're not that's not really our model. So we've already done that to a large degree. We've voluntarily participated Because in

in the beginning she's like oh let's put 02:00. Was like that's not our concept. That might be, you know what mean? That's not what we're aiming for.

Okay. Thank you.

Uh-huh. Thank you. Commissioner Montero please.

Morning. So I have a couple of questions here. I do like to support family owned businesses and family legacy. So I appreciate your efforts.

Thank you.

Just to clarify, so after you had that first meeting with 75 people, was there any follow back with the community and touch points to address the feedback you were given for further critique and feedback after the meeting with the 75 people?

The second meeting was the 75 people. First one there was no turnout. That's why we did second one and then after that we haven't done it yet.

Okay. It's all been through the councilman's office at that point.

So it seems to me that there was technically maybe one meeting with the folks where you did receive that feedback. Is that correct? Correct. Okay. And secondly, you mentioned educational tasting room.

I know BevMo, Total Wine, they do tasting rooms very similar but they don't operate in those types of hours up until midnight. Usually they're four to seven, twelve to three and it seems like you've mentioned a lot about special events with distributors and vendors but that has nothing to do with neighborhood and the community. So can you speak to a little bit some of the additional things you foresee in your vision for why you would like to have it 3PM to midnight but it's not essentially a regular hospitality type bar.

Right. Couple of things. I don't think BevMo or Total Wine quite do what we're proposing to do. There are cases more on the coastline where that's more applicable but they don't do what we're doing in terms of education outreach. Two, from a community perspective, we want the community to be able to actually have a meeting there if they want to, that kind of thing.

But in a So that would be part of the the operational considerations for engaging them. Community feedback on what they want will also be crucial. So taking questions from them like, hey, I really wanna learn about blah blah blah and then we can set that program up for them. I think that part would be in part community driven but kicked off by us so they can see the possibilities of that. So why not let them be part of that question Q and A process?

It will be driven I think in part by knowing how the community purchases, where they're comfortable in purchasing, where they're not comfortable in purchasing. It's just observational skills from a hospitality perspective and understanding where the gaps are.

Thank you. So can you speak a little bit to what that vision is if it's not your usual come in, educate on the wine which BevMo and Total Wine do

do. Right.

And they also have their vendors coming in

to Two do components. Featuring local chefs and other restaurateurs in a pairing situation would be one. We'd like a room big enough that other community food and beverage facilities could come in and co work with us because we don't really wanna operate as a restaurant. So that relationship would be strong. Finding people who are willing to do that and build that relationship will be key to this operation.

Think So that would be like some of A lot of that's driven by how the community is invited in, right? Particularly on the business side of things and how we can expand that offering to them and give them a platform for doing I hate the cliche word but it's a pop up in a way. Right. So I think that's good. There's some talk with the councilman about some Michelin star chefs wanting to come in.

We'd love to do a pairing with them. You know, talk about how one goes about engaging in their food, how the wine relates to it. I think personally for me, it's a lot of fun to learn on these things from a sommelier or expertise perspective. But imagine also just having the brewer coming in from brewer number one, two or three, which Jazz is Distiller. The distiller, excuse me.

The distiller is coming in and speaking directly about their generational experience with distilling and how it relates and how See, because here's the thing. This is why the coffee component is actually interesting to us. The terroir, the connection between the land, your palate, the taste from coffee to wine and spirits, it's all the same actually. You can taste regional Regionally, you can taste the environment. If you go down to Valle De Guadalupe, you can taste it in the wine, what's going on down there and you can taste it in Northern California. That type of stuff we would be addressing.

Okay. And so you're speaking a lot about special events so I just want to clarify here. Is it just a special event space or is this where neighbors would be able to go in and have a cocktail? Because we're now then talking about two different things and I understand sommelier and that culture along with whiskey drinkers, everyone enjoying Johnny Walker, things like that. Please don't interrupt me.

Please don't interrupt, please.

Oh, I'm so sorry. So

what percentage is truly going to be special events focused versus really operating like a bar? Because from what I'm seeing in facts, it seems more like a bar than a special event space.

Okay. Thank you for your question. There are three basic areas of the bar layout called the front area. Two things. You can't come in without a seat. You have to have space to come in so it's not too densely populated. Thank you for bringing that up. Appreciate it. So in the front area where you see 132, I don't know if you get 134, that's the main bar. That space there is what we call the bar.

The space on the right, 138, is a special events tasting room. The space above it, 130, is a special events tasting room. Those are not generally public spaces. The space in the middle, 131, is our community area, music, gaming, whatever they want to do. And the space 133 is also a tasting area. I don't know if you can see that tiny, like, stuff there. The only traditional bar is in the front area where you come in from the front door and you see the 136, 134 area that is the traditional bar component. Other spaces are not traditional bar components.

Thank you.

Since this is a clarifying question about what you just shared with us. The entire space, is it accurate that your proposed that based on the proposal, the entire space, the traditional bar, etcetera, and all the other spaces that we're looking at would still be all be open until midnight?

So it's a lot of space to activate. So I think the real midnight is the 134 and one hundred thirty six area, the bar. And then the special events are based on bookings or case use conditions no later than twelve.

Okay. Thanks for clarifying. Commissioner Singh.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Kelly, what is your relationship with Mr. Patel for business? Are you owner or you're a I

act like it, don't I? I am a hospitality designer. I specialize in these kinds of environments and I've done lots all over Southern California. And Jazz and I have been working together for two years.

You. But he's my boss. You Obviously have a lot of experience with three generations that's a lot of experience doing this right. Now you have a facility in Corona?

I do have a store in Corona yes.

So what is your experience like running a facility? Do you get lots of people?

So we are currently a destination as it is. We get people from out of state all the time because the selection we have. And we have a curated selection but we are running out of room. We need to grow. That's basically where we're at. And I wanted some offer something that's not available in this area in the Inland Empire.

So why do you think we need more alcohol facility?

It's not just about alcohol in general. Know what I mean? We're talking about something that's an experience that we wanna give hands on. You know what I mean? That's missing in this area. So you go to like Wally's. They give you hands experience they have, you know what I mean? But they have, you know I mean? So there's quite a few areas like High Times a well known place, you know what mean? They have a curated selection that we don't have that in Inland Empire. And I think that is the key component that we're missing in area.

So you

think in Riverside people should drink more alcohol?

It's not about alcohol. It's acknowledgement. Educating people what it is. What's everything about. It's not just here you go. Not what the product is. Is. Yes, Plus selection. We'll have a selection that will draw people from out of state.

Thank you. I have a question for Veronika. Veronika how many licenses are there in this particular area, alcohol licenses?

So there

are currently 11 existing off sale licenses How many? 11. 11, okay. And 28 on sale.

Okay. Quite a bit, right?

I'm sorry?

We have quite a bit licenses in this area.

There are a lot of licenses in this area. So this census tract is quite large. It's about 1.1 square miles. And the high number of licenses in this area, this is a large commercial node within the city. This midtown area, there are a lot of commercial centers, restaurants, gathering areas. You have the Brockton Arcade, you have the Riverside Plaza, the Ralph Shopping Center. So these areas act as a destination for shopping, entertainment, dining and gathering. Similar to downtown, that's typically where you see these very high concentrations occur.

Thank you. And Virenka, when you are preparing for this, did you have conversation with the police department specifically about alcohol related crime in this particular area?

Yes. So this project was thoroughly reviewed by RPD and we do have a representative here who can speak to crime statistics in this area. There are conditions of approval placed on this project that were put in place by RPD as well concerning security, training, safety, etcetera.

Thank you. Can we have an office talk to us? Good

morning. Sergeant Karubikalos. How can I help you?

Good morning. Thank you officer. So in this reporting district based on your review of the crimes how many alcohol related calls or arrests have been made last year?

I don't have that specific data. Mine is more or less crime related to that particular area.

So in that area how many crimes? Like part one crimes, part two crimes or what kind of?

So for specifically the vacant lot that's proposed for Jazz wine in 2022 and 2023 there's a total of 69 calls and that was when they were open. And then 'twenty four, 'twenty five and 'twenty six there were 61 calls for service. And that was when the vacant building was present. During that time, not too many calls for service came in. But it was all basically transient related.

The other location, Big 5, has a significant amount of calls for service there, a total of two seventy nine from twenty twenty four to 2026. And combined both locations there's thefts, trespassing, obviously drugs, indecent exposure, disturbances and alarm calls.

Any homicides?

I don't recall any homicides in that direct area.

Thank you.

Commissioner Mooney.

Thank you. I had a number of questions. I think I'll start with the applicant. Yes, please. And, the other commissioners did ask and I am going to ask this again, but could you clarify how either you or the council person representing this notified and reached out to residents because it appears that our first speakers from the chamber, I can't say for sure, but that there may not have been adequate outreach to the residents in that area.

So can you share with us how these meetings by either you or the council person how the residents were notified?

The councilman Steven Robillard reached out to them personally and

So he went knocking on

his Not knocking doors but for phone to I think if I'm not mistaken he reached out to the meetings and he announced it on his post

or

something.

So you're not sure

I'm not sure. He not announced it. But he did announce

or anything. You you you know he reached out but you're just not sure of which means

Yes.

That he used?

Correct.

Okay. As a resident, when there's something going on and I do live in Ward 1, not in this ward, but we usually get some kind of notification. It's usually a card, a postcard, multiple listings. So I'm just curious as to how that your council person, councilman had reached out. My assumption, I don't know, is that perhaps the folks that came up here to speak may not have gotten that kind of contact.

So that's why I was asking. I do have a concern about the, again, concentration of alcohol, sales and so forth in the neighborhood and I think this is why it's not squaring with me. That is, a historic, old Riverside neighborhood of residents. It really does capture, I think, our unique, the way the houses are architected. California, whether they're bungalows or Spanish style or what have you.

And then to have, you know, within that residential area, the possibility and that this is leading my other question of, you know, the activity that could go on later in even on a weekend on Sunday evening until midnight. I know that you assured us that you could adjust those hours based on neighborhood feedback. But, what are the other also steps that you're looking at presenting it as a curated educational type of a venue versus a party venue?

100%.

So, if I lived in that area, I would be very concerned that it wouldn't be a party venue. So, if people want to use your facility to have gatherings and get togethers, can you just sort of speak generally of how you would reduce that kind of appeal that it wouldn't be a party venue because usually that's gonna mean music, loud music, maybe folks that may be coming intoxicated. What is security?

People having that kind of engagement.

So, I would wanna know as a resident, how would you assure that it's not going to turn in? Because word-of-mouth happens fast and when people understand that they can rent a place, maybe have entertainment where it could become a party venue, because how do you address that?

Okay. That's an interesting segue. Thank you for pointing out. And clearly, we didn't address that accurately, so we will now. This is not a promotional club environment at all. It would actually be counterintuitive and undermine our own business to go in that direction. So you can't rave on at this space. It is professionally focused on relationships with distillers and distributors and winemakers specifically. However, if the community wants a game night, we'll give it to them. But that's going to be driven by the community, that particular part.

But we're not talking about promoters, music venue per se. We were kind of kicking around a musical residency based on like a three jazz band or something like that. But we're not sure. And I think that would also be driven by what the community wants and where the musicians are within the community. But it's not a nightclub at all, and that would actually hurt our business.

I don't know if that specifically addresses it. So from a decimal standpoint, from a music standpoint, we've also addressed that you can't come in without a seat, so there's no standing room in it. You have to reserve to come in here. It's not like crowds of people and lines out the door. They have to You have prepare before you get there and be invited essentially. Not not like a club like that or a membership like that. But you have to have a seat reserved and you have to be You have to

Can you remind space me again of the name that you're going to put on there? Jazzy's Bar?

Not gonna

be a bar. It's just gonna be called Jazzy's.

Jazzy's.

That's it. Just Jazzy's. I thought I saw something that said Jazzy's.

I think it was It was a clarification between the bottle shop and the

Jazzy's Spirits and

Bar. No. That's for the bottle shop.

Jazzy's Wine and Spirits will be the store and Jazzy's gonna be the bar.

Okay. Thank you. Mhmm.

Commissioner Melendrez.

For me, addressing some of the long term solutions for transient homeless hanging out around there. Do you have any plans on gating the parking lot or securing it in any way?

Yes. So if there is once it's occupied, it's gonna clear quite a bit, I'll be honest. But security, we will have security.

Okay. Can we bring up the map again really quick? Yes. So, I'm sorry, three back. Oh, we're going too fast.

Or it shows the actual outline. So, you know, I agree with Commissioner Mooney that this isn't the neighborhood that we want a nightclub in or loud music. But, hearing and understanding your business model and understanding the direction you're going, it would be counterintuitive because you're not gonna be attracting people that can afford the wine and spirits that you guys are gonna be selling. But also directly across the street, so this is where part of the argument around bars and alcohol fall apart for me is that we have the sire that attracts a whole different crowd generationally for those of us that have been in Riverside our whole lives. And we don't seem to have a lot of issues coming from there.

So I know this is different and I know this is a difficult one to step into having been to your other location in in Corona. Also being a neighbor not too far from where you're at. We're already having issues with traffic on Magnolia and Brockton. Those will always be an instance in a case because there are main thoroughfares in the city. I live just off of Magnolia.

The homeless, the bigger issue I have is that the longer buildings stay vacant, we don't have a long term plan to address them. It gives an opportunity for these homeless to collect, gather, live and stay. I get my haircut directly across the street from this building. I get to watch them go to the bathroom behind it. I get to like experience that as a resident also.

I would like to see that addressed. And I think there's some longer term plans that we might need to enter into with the city to figure out how to secure that back street. But with that, the fact that you've made a significant investment in a property that sat for a really long time in our city, you have a plan to progress it and move forward. You know, I support this and I hope that you can get it off the ground. I would like to see some of those exterior improvements more in phase one.

I would like to see and you know it's difficult to not have authority to say we need to hold you to certain things but to actually stay in line with the neighborhood, you know, you're bordering a historic neighborhood and you need to be able to tread lightly. But we didn't think the AK market years ago was going to do so well right in and through that area and it's actually contributed well. But it's an open space. We have a seven Eleven right next to us and it's an open space for everyone to sit on the wall. So you guys being proactive, doing everything that you can to contribute positively to security and moving people along.

It's going to be crucial. And if you move forward, just remember you're going to be under a microscope because a lot of people are going to be watching. But I wish you luck.

Thank you.

Commissioner Alderette?

So I have a few concerns. Just address them. One of them that seems to be coming up with the commissioners is proper community engagement. It's kind of all hearsay. Staff, do we have a record of how many people show up and when these these happen? So we can kind of squash that.

I'm gonna walk a fine line with this. So I'm trying to pick my words carefully here. Our requirement for our code is to notice a 300 foot radius. There is no specific requirement for community engagement with that. However, it is highly encouraged.

So with that being said, we do not have number of individuals that show up at specific neighborhood meetings to discuss this in that specific light. So we do send out notices generally thirty days in advance of public hearings to that radius of 300 feet. We do publish the staff report twelve days in advance. So, if we don't receive anything between those times, generally that's why the staff report indicate that we have not received anything at that time. So comments can come in after that time.

Just going back to address one of the speakers' comments earlier, we would have received those comments after the staff report was already published at that point. So we would address them today. But if you go back to your question, 300 foot radius is our requirement to send out. However, we highly encourage applicants to reach out to the neighborhood.

Okay, thank you. So that being said, then I one of the one of the things that sounds like all the nice cities are in phase two. All the all the cool things, the tastings, and all that, that's all phase two. Phase one would be basically a high end huge liquor store simply in an over concentrated area. Those are those are my major concerns is proper community outreach because I've heard it from the other side and trying to document document that or document that.

And then all the niceties are in phase two In phase one, we we don't know if you go to phase two. So how do we how do we make sure that we all the all the nicety stuff in phase two is achieved? Whereas if you guys just stopped phase one, then now we just have a large high end liquor store that's probably bigger. All the alcohol in that place is the same that's sold in all the other over concentrated areas.

Can I ask can I ask a clarification? Mhmm. When you two things. When you say niceties, let's pinpoint it a little bit so I understand what you really mean. And then two things I'd like to just say to your earlier point. We were very encouraged by planning to do outreach. So we went We did actually take that very seriously. And short of I guess knocking on people's doors personally, we didn't do that.

I understand that. So back to the outreach I

just want to support

them Back to outreach, I do understand that there's this kind of back and forth. From what I've heard from multiple is that it wasn't sufficient. And we have people come in and say it wasn't sufficient. So and I don't like hearsay. I mean, it would be really nice if you have like kind of a sign in sheet that said, hey, we have this. These are the people showed up. And then that would be give us better information. And that's that's a really hard thing for this, the whole outreach thing is really hard for me to make a decision on because I like facts. It makes it so much easier.

Yeah. The sign in sheet's an interesting idea to me think about that. But that would have been a good idea to do. But the second thing I just wanted to say, because none of us have talked about it, we're also really excited about our connection with Sunnydale, which happens to be, I think if you're saying this the way I hear you the backside of the property.

Sunnydale?

Yeah. Sunny Side. Streets. Sunny Side. Sorry. I like Sunnydale better. Anyway, Sunny Side and all those community and what's going on there is really interesting. And I think that's, quote, the backside of our property. So we're talking about strengthening our connection with Sunnyside and the coffee shops and other things that are down there with the councilman's support. So I think if we had hesitation on the landscaping, it's about how to do that, right? But if you mean from the niceties perspective, aesthetic upgrade to the front. Is that what you mean?

I say all of it. Very clearly, phase one, what happens in phase one is, if I understand this correctly, is we get a liquor store in the simplest form, if that's correct. And then phase two is we get the wine tasting, the bar, the music, landscape upgrades, all that's phase two. But basically in the simplest form, phase one is a large liquor store with a lot of diversity of options.

Okay. I think for us, there's two things that are going on in terms of our own lack of clarity. So I'll expand on that. There's some requests to do modifications to the streetlight and some other sidewalk conditions that we need clarification from. But it only happens when you submit the plans themselves and negotiate those things.

So when I think of landscaping improvements, that's part of it. Not planting and trees, things like that. So understanding the planning's requirement for billing and safety's requirement or traffic specifically, understanding and evaluating those things and what they are. They may not be seen niceties but they're technical niceties, right? So that is why we want to submit on that particularly to understand what the scope of work really needs to be and how to

engage Can you clarify then with the business aspect of it? Phase one, what happens in phase one?

Yeah, we would be happy to do landscaping Not

landscaping. Just is phase one just alcohol sales, off-site alcohol sales?

Yeah, it's the tenant improvement itself for the bottle shop specifically.

Phase two is

With security and ADA upgrades.

Phase two is wine tasting, music, local chefs, all that.

Yeah. Only because the duration and time to build that out is so much longer.

So this is my concern then is phase one. Phase two is never promised. Phase phase one is never promised. Right? But my concern is with phase one is that if that's where we stop, that is not going to be very good for that community.

I'd agree with that.

Thank you.

Yeah. Okay.

My turn. Okay. I think everybody has asked all of the questions that I had, and I've listened very closely to your responses and thank you, for your for your answers to the questions, for addressing various concerns. I, I'm still not convinced that this is a good project, that warrants my support. You've said the word community a lot, in your responses.

You've talked a lot about wanting community input to, you know, curate your services and programming based on community input. Yet, there was basically one in community. I

point.

75 people is decent turnout for one meeting. So I commend you on that. But the fact that there was no follow-up to have a another conversation with the community members after giving them the opportunity to provide you with feedback, to ask questions, to give suggestions, etcetera, tells me that that was just a box to check. And that I don't like at all. So it sounds nice that you say you want community input, but you don't really want community input, in my opinion, based on the actions that were taken and the fact that there was no follow-up.

I also am still unclear about your operational plan for the phase two, the bar area. It just sounds like a bar to me. All the other stuff sounds nice if it happens, but at the end of the day, it's a bar. And I don't believe that that part of our community needs another bar. I also don't believe that that part of our community in looking at how many, It's a crazy number.

I understand the busy commercial zoning of the area, the plaza, and everything that is already in that part of our community. I just can't, in my mind, justify yet another liquor store in walking like, with one the little convenience store across the street. I know they sell alcohol, not the level of alcohol that you're, proposing. But within walking distance is plenty alcohol. And it just feels like this particular site is an encroachment on the neighborhood that's directly that starts directly across the street.

And it just seems too too close. Both phase one and what you're proposing in phase two. And so, are my ongoing concerns and I can't in good conscience, say that I could support this project. Commissioner Wilder?

Thank you. I happen to be in full agreement with the other commissioners and their concerns. But one thing just kept gnawing at me is especially after you had mentioned that you know you won't know what some of the requirements are until you submit plans tells me that you really haven't spent the time to meet with staff to find out what their input is going to be as far as is there gonna be a traffic signal that's required is it an upgrade? From a business standpoint it makes sense that you would need to know these things in order to really progress with a project. It seems more that this is being rushed to get your liquor store open rather than look to see what kind of not only the impacts on the community it'll have, but also what's going to be required to fulfill what the city is going to require.

I appreciate what you have done so far but again I can't support it either.

May address Okay. Something just for a point of clarification?

Go ahead.

We have met with the building department several times or in its various jurisdictions, a lot of meetings with traffic, meetings with fire, meetings with planning and safety, etcetera. So we have had two rounds of comments from them. My point on the niceties question was to split the aesthetic upgrades that can be done right now from a phasing standpoint with the long term submittal for the traffic amendment to the streetlights type of things that we have to do, which are all building and safety specific types of submittals. So I think I was attempting to specifically address we would be willing to landscape and get the aesthetic upgrades going, but that wouldn't have to be on the same timeline as utility improvements, which is a different type of category for submittal. I don't know if that addresses you, but we have had many meetings in that particular zone.

It really doesn't because I mean I have a lot of experience in land development and

I still cannot hear you at all.

I'm sorry. Can you hear me now?

Yes. I think

I'm so I

have a lot of experience in land development through my careers. Careers. And we really never entered into project without knowing what what's gonna be required. And I you know, we're not talking about little things. When we're talking about traffic signals, we're talking about a big issue. No. Because they're They are very expensive.

So Yeah.

So anyway, I appreciate your response but it really doesn't change my mind.

No additional comments are needed at Commissioner this Montero?

Yes. I'm all for great experiences within the community, bringing something unique. What you've shared, with the private event space bar area specifically, seems to me that you're going for more of a speak easy type vibe and feel to it. I'm just not convinced that that will be the main focus of this project. And knowing that there will be a private space for people in the community to, you know, say they're having they wanna have a private event and just throw an event in the bar area with who knows who for, you know, maybe 30 people, what would stop that from becoming a party versus this educational experience.

Right? So I do appreciate your time and coming here and, speaking to your

vision. Thank you. Thank you. All right. At this time, I see no additional comments from commissioners. Is there a motion? We have no motion.

If there is no motion to approve, then it would be not approved and the, request would fail.

I will repeat. Is there a motion? Thank you. Okay.

I think, commissioner, if I may.

Yes, sir.

I think there's two options here. And, Anthony, correct me if I'm wrong here, but there there could be a motion either to approve or a motion to deny.

Make a motion. Yeah, that's what I

was Who's that?

If somebody was gonna deny, they should do it. Okay. But, I'll make a motion to approve planning case PR 202501785.

We have a motion to approve on the table. Is there a second?

My god. I second.

We have a motion and a second. Ready to vote. Two yeses and six nos. The motion fails.

Motion fails. That is correct, Chair.

Thank you. Alright. There is a ten day appeal period. Please contact the Planning Division for appeal information if you wish to do so. Thank you. Is everybody all right? Does anybody need a break? Good? Okay. All right. Let's, move forward to the consent calendar. Does anybody want to pull an item from the consent calendar? If not, may I have a motion to approve the consent calendar?

Motion to approve the consent calendar.

I second.

Have a motion and a second. Please vote. All right. Thank you. Motion carries. And we'll move on to the discussion calendar. Hello, ma'am. Planning Commission 2026 work plan.

Yes. Good morning, chair and members of the commission. Matthew Taylor, principal planner. Before I start, just wanna say it's been a pleasure to serve as your acting city planner for the past sixty days, but I wanna acknowledge that we I am passing the torch to principal planner Passing

the hot potato.

Yes. Principal planner Edgardo Caldera who will serve as your acting city planner until we have our new city planner installed. Tentatively, we have a start date of the May. We'll keep you posted on that. Fantastic. Thank you, Edgardo.

Thank you, Matt.

All right. So this morning, I'm here to present to you the 2026 Planning Commission draft work plan. All boards and commissions are expected by the city clerk's office to prepare a work plan that will then be presented to council standing committee. In our case, that would be the land use committee. So just to start with a recap of the planning commission's established vision is to realize Riverside's vision for its future development, growth and preservation through the planning commission's review and recommendation on changes to the physical development of the city and that the planning commission is committed to planning and design that results in a livable high quality of place where people can live, work, and play.

Your 2025 work plan included five goals. A lot of those you'll see are carried through to this draft work plan. But just an update on on some of the accomplishments toward those goals from 2025. The planning commission reviewed 35 entitlement requests and three subdivision requests in 2025. You also advised on and made recommendations on five updates to the zoning code that were related to various policy initiatives that came out of the planning commission or were requested by the city council.

You successfully completed on time your annual review and consistency determination for the capital improvements plan. And that was done in May. And you also helped us with implementation of our housing element by making recommendations on three different zoning code updates that had to do specifically with with housing production and implementation of our housing element action plan. And then finally, you helped us with input on the general plan update by conducting a workshop in December 2025. Oh, no.

Something is missing from my slide here. I don't know how that happened. Oh, it's an animation. There we go. That one snuck in there.

Okay. Some significant projects, of note from 2025 that, that you advised or or or took action on was, expansion of Riverside Community Hospital, which required a specific plan amendment to construct a parking garage so that they can begin, work on their, new 11 story bed tower, which will be a major expansion of that facility. And, we're pleased to report that the bed tower itself has been approved by the development review committee. So both of those projects are moving forward. Crest Cottages is a really interesting project that you approved last year to bring new housing opportunities through SB four, which is the Yes in God's Backyard Act, which will bring 11 homes to Crest Community Church up on Mount Vernon.

You approved the expansion of Pacific Grove Hospital, which will provide needed mental health services to the community. And also, you recommended certification of the environmental impact report for the Riverside Alive project up at the Riverside Convention Center. So those are just some of the highlights. One thing that I wanted to share with, both you and the audience is all development projects in process. In some stage of the review process, can be viewed on a map on the planning division's website.

So if you visit the planning division's webpage at riversideca.gov/planning and click on development projects and CEQUA documents, this will provide you a link to an interactive map where you can view all of the projects that we have going on at any given discussion item, the 2026 recommended planning commission goals, and we can open it up to discussion if we wanna make any modifications to that. There are five of them that are carried over from the previous year, and we are recommending the addition of a sixth goal as well. So the first is to review and act on entitlement proposals, subdivision requests, and appeals in accordance with the zoning code. The two is to number two is to review and make recommendations on the general plan and on zoning code updates to the city council to comply with state law, to implement our general plan and our housing element, and also to streamline our development processes to support economic development. Three is to, conduct your annual review of the city's capital improvement projects to determine that, whether they are consistent with our general plan.

Four is specifically related to housing element implementation and giving, making recommendations and advising the city council on how to best implement the city's housing policy goals. Number five, is to continue to receive updates and provide input on the preparation of our general plan update for 2050. And the new, number six we've recommended here, you may be aware that the Envision Riverside 2025 council strategic plan has been retired and in the interim, the council has adopted and will I believe annually adopt a book of work which essentially, outlines all city departments major initiatives and work efforts for that year. And so what we're asking, for you to consider as a new goal for planning commission for 2026 is to facilitate implementation of the city council's book of works in support of the city's strategic priorities and, our general plan objectives, goals, and policies. So that is, those are our recommendations for planning commission goals for 2026.

We're happy to take recommendations or suggestions for modifications or additions or deletions. What will happen next is once we have this discussion, we will schedule this for the land use committee and we will ask our chair to attend with our city planner to present the final goals to the land use committee likely in May. Thank you.

Thank you. Do I need to open this up for public comment? Okay. Well, because it says so it says so on my notes. Yeah.

Anthony, do we need to do public comment on a discussion item?

We gotta tighten these notes up.

Well, it's

not really discussion item. I mean, it's a presentation so you do not have to but you can.

I don't need to. If I don't have to, I'm not going to. Alright. Does anybody have any questions or comments for Matthew?

I do have a comment. Matthew, you came back to originally your hair, style. Right? This is great.

Now that I'm not in the city planner seat, we'll see what I do next. Okay.

I vote for purple. Alright. Any other questions or comments?

No. Just want to thank you Matthew. Great presentation. Thank you.

Okay. Do we need to approve the plan?

It's, just to provide any input Okay. And then that's

Okay. No input apparently. Except thank you for everything that you do, you and the team. And thanks for your two months. And we look forward to, knock on wood, the new principal plant new city planner. My apologies. In May. Mhmm. Alright? Okay. Are we done? Oh, any future Any items for future consideration that we should know about?

Yes. So, the next couple of meetings, there are really no items scheduled in the way of development projects, for planning commissions of consideration. For the twenty third meeting, we have a public hearing scheduled. That's the CP for the vehicle service station and the seven eleven. However, staff still working with the applicant and preparing the item to bring before before the commission.

So a a continuance will will be needed to be requested. Also, for the twenty third, discussion calendar, we have the annual planning commission, rules for the transaction of business and conduct hearings. And also, Brown Act training present presented by our deputy city attorney. And on the topic of the general plan update and its progress, we're holding a public workshop on Saturday, May 2 at 11AM at the Salvation Army headquarters on 1st Street. And Matthew's here if you guys have questions on that.

And then lastly, on the May 7 meeting, we have there to review the annual capital improvement plan, and that'll be presented by advanced planning. That's all I have.

Quick question. Going back to Matthew's presentation. After it goes to land use will you be bringing back, know, give us an idea of how that went?

We'll be happy to report back, yes.

Thank you.

Alright. Anything else anybody?

I may be absent on the twenty third.

I have a jury duty.

I get on, I will be. If I won't, I don't, I'll be here.

Thanks for letting us know. Right. We'll ahead and adjourn today's meeting. Thank you everybody. Have a great rest of the day.