pages: CityCouncil/2012-09-04.pdf, 5
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CityCouncil | 2012-09-04 | 5 | number of stores and liquor outlets right around the corner and in the immediate vicinity; of the 13 places to buy alcohol in the Webster Street corridor, five locations are right within a block of the location; alcohol can also be purchased at 22 bars and restaurants; neighbors also felt there is a correlation between alcohol sales and crime in the area. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether the City is going to prohibit other places from selling alcohol; stated if so, a policy should be made so the City does not appear to be arbitrary. The Acting City Planner responded the Use Permit process allows the City to address the matter on a case-by-case basis. Councilmember Johnson inquired whether or not it would be better to let people know the City's position is that there are enough places selling alcohol and more will not be allowed. The Acting City Planner responded in the affirmative; stated an agreement would need to be reached on how to structure the zoning to make the right number clear; stated a quota is one approach some cities have taken for different uses; clear standards could be applied uniformly if an agreement could be reached; the counter argument is that setting a limit or quota might prohibit a better business and essentially does not let the market do its thing; said matters were discussed at a Planning Board meeting regarding a Chinese restaurant; the decision was quotas would not be set for Park and Webster Streets. Councilmember Tam noted the same discussion came up about tattoo parlors; inquired whether the Arco convenient store on Park Street and Encinal sells beer and wine, to which the Acting City Planner responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Tam inquired whether a Use Permit was required for the Arco station and whether radius and saturation were reviewed. The Acting City Planner responded that he does not know said history; stated Use Permits are required for all convenient stores in Alameda. Councilmember deHaan stated that he recalls the Webster Street Visioning discussions about the transition from a Navy town loaded with bars; the area seems to be a hub of Police activity; inquired if staff has determined whether liquor sales are a factor. The Police Captain responded the City has had a slight increase in crime on the West End and on the blocks surrounding Webster Street in the last year; that he could not say the crime is directly related to alcohol sales. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether there are loitering problems. The Police Captain responded any liquor store would have people loiter; noted Alcohol Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 September 4, 2012 | CityCouncil/2012-09-04.pdf |