pages: PlanningBoard/2005-06-13.pdf, 11
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PlanningBoard | 2005-06-13 | 11 | Ms. Valerie Ruma, 1610 Willow, spoke in support of this application. She wished to address the parking issues, and noted that she had attended the Central Cinema on the weekends. She had never had a problem with parking, even five minutes from showtime. Ms. Janin Von Furst, 917B Santa Clara, noted that she was a renter, and was very concerned about not being able to park near her home. She believed that Alameda should have residential parking permits. She was in favor of the Central Cinema, but would like the owner to take the onus of ensuring that neighborhood parking is not made more difficult for the residents. Mr. Kopps noted that he enjoyed going to Central Cinema because his mother was comfortable with him attending on his own. He noted that he had his tenth birthday party there, and enjoyed the family atmosphere. He promised to walk to the Cinema if it were allowed to remain open. Mr. Kevin Frederick noted that he had lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, and preferred to bicycle and walk around the Island. He supported the Central Cinema, and believed it was a great neighborhood use. Mr. Peter Macdonald, attorney for the applicant, noted that he had performed an informal parking survey on two nights, and noted that on both nights, 40% of the patrons walked to the theater. He added that 15 and 13 cars, respectively, were driven by patrons. He did not believe it would be viable or necessary to put a parking lot in this neighborhood when street parking was available. He believed the existing parking should be used. He noted that the 15 minute intervals between shows was not a problem during the day with an audience size of five to 10 people. He noted that the applicant had spent $7,400 to process this case to date, and suggested that the amount of fees should be capped for certain types of cases. He was concerned that smaller businesses may not be able to get through the process. In response to an inquiry by Mr. Piziali whether fines were included in those fees, Mr. Macdonald replied that they were planning processing fees. Mr. Mark Haskett, applicant, noted that he kept track of spaces available during sellout nights, and added that there were often spaces available during those times. He corrected Ms. Thomas' assertion that he did not live near the theater, and added that he had moved to a house one block from the theater during the past week. He noted that businesses that draw pedestrians serve to enliven the neighborhood and make it a safer place to live. The public hearing was closed for Board discussion. In response to an inquiry by Ms. McNamara regarding intervals between shows, Ms. Eliason replied that the 20-minute interval was staff's recommendation in order for the theater to clear out and for the new patrons to arrive; the parking would be cleared between the shows. Mr. Haskett noted that some people will arrive 30-45 minutes early because the theater only have 45 seats. The parking capacity will sometimes accommodate two shows. Planning Board Minutes Page 11 June 13, 2005 | PlanningBoard/2005-06-13.pdf |