99-1129��1C1NAL
RESOLUTION
CITY)OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
Presented
Referred To
�
coun�a F�e # 9y i�a �
Green Sheet # 101638
Committee Date
i WHEREAS, the Legisiafive Hearing Officer recommends that license application (ID # 19990005398) for Malt
2 Off Sale (Strong), Wine On Sale, and Restaurant (B) Licenses by Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul, 1811
3 Selby Avenue, be approved;
4 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves these licenses.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Yeas Nays Absent
Blakey y �
Coleman �-
Hazris „/
Benanav �
Reiter V i�'
Bostrom ��'
L�n ✓
� )
12 Adopted by Council: Date �_,� a� `���
13
14 Adoption
15 By:
16 Approved
i7 By:
Requested by Department o£
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
�
99- //a9
DEPARTMINT/OFFICEACOUNCIL DATEINRUIT�
c�t Council Offices 11-17-99 GREEN SHEET No 1 01638
CON�ACT PFR� & PFiONE YYtlaYDaO� NtlWlmb
Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 oa..,,e,ro�ear,e ana,,,,a
MUST BE ON COUNCILAGEbH.Y1 BY (OA7�
November 24, 1999 �
IYY�6tFOR OIYAi101EY OiYCIi�K
ROUTWG
� R1I111WLa0NIKSOR ❑ n+�I1CY1tiFTYP11LCfC
' ❑wvaRfde�asnwn ❑
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES (CIJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
CTION REQUES7ED
Approving application for Malt On SAle (Strong), Wine On Sale, and Restaurant (B) Licenses by
Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul, 1811 Selby Avenue.
RECAMMENDATION Approve (A) w Rejec4 (R) 7EILSOWIL SERViCE CONiRACTS MUST ANSWER iXE FOLLAM/IN6 QUES7ION5:
1. Fi�thisP��erervrorkedunderawnhac[torfhisdepaAment?
PLANNMG COMMISSION YES NO
CIB COMMI7TEE 2. tias mis pe�saJfirm e+�er 6een a ary empoyee9
CIVILSERVICECAMMISSION VES NO
� a ores uwc persaUfum po�c a slau not nonn�Naacessed br am cu�rent citv emvbree?
YES NO
4. la tltia peisaNfirm a tergetetl ventloR
YES NO
F�lain �I Y� a�s on sepa�ate sheet anA attach to Oreen shee[
INITIATINCa PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORTUNITY (WFa, Whaf, When, Where, Why)
ADVAMAGES IF APPROVED ,
�C�':�`;;'s' �'; , w. u'� .� �`"'��'
Gc,a^
_ .. 6V�§ � 8 ���e8
DISADVAMAGES IF APPROVED
DISADVANTAGES IF NOTAPPROVED ` �� N � � � -- � � � �
TOTAL AMOUNT OP TRANSACTION S CC3T�REVENUE BUDGETm (CIRCLE ON� YES NO
FlINDING SOURCE ACTNITY NUFIBER
FIN4NCIAL Wf-0RMATON (EJfPWN)
�t� �\ZR
�.
NffNi JTES OF THE LECTISLA"l IVE HEARING
PUERTA AZUL, 1811 SELBY AVENLJE
Monday, November 15, 1999
Room 330 City Hall
Gerry Strathman, Legisiative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 3:35 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Martens, License, Inspecrions, Environmental Protection (LIEP)
Gerry Strathman stated this legislative hearing is being held to discuss objections to the issuance
of licenses to Puerta Azul, 1811 Selby Avenue. At the conciusion of the meeting, Mr. Strathman
will make a recommendation to the City Council; the City Council will make the final
determination on this matter.
Corinne Martens reported this is a license application for Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul,
18ll Selby Avenue. They aze applying for Malt On Sale (Strong) and Wine On Sale licenses.
These license have been approved by Fire, Zoning, and Environmental Health. There aze no
pending adverse actions against this applicant.
Mr. Strathman asked to hear from people in objection to these licenses. (No one came forward.)
Mr. Sirathman stated he received objection letters from the following: Helen Elizabeth Proechel,
224 Fairview Avenue North, wrote about the restaurant being open late, noise, tzaffic, and
expensive food; Lynette Koopman, 1790 Selby Avenue, wrote about liquor; Christine Wahlstrom,
1824 Selby Avenue, wrote about liquor, pazking, litter, security, crime; George Scholler, 1747
Selby Avenue, wrote about beer and wine licenses; and Chillon Leach, 1795 Dayton Avenue,
wrote about wine and beer, tr�c, pazking, late night pedestrian problems.
Mr. Strathman asked to heaz from people in support of these licenses.
Jon and Kathleen Walsh, 1829 Dayton Avenue, appeared. Mr. Wa1sh stated that having a
restaurant in the neighborhood will be a benefit. However, he supports the other neighbors in
their objecrions because of college students that cause problems in the neighborhood. The
neighbors are so sensitized to pariying and drinking in the neighborhood with the college students,
that whenever the issue of alcohol is brought up, people get upset.
People having wine and beer while having dinner, stated Ms. Walsh, are not ordinarlly creating
the problems the neighborhood is concerned about. Also, it may be an impairment for Puerta
Azul to not provide wine and beer. Parking should not be a probiem because Puerta Azi.il has
approximately 12 parking spots, which is about how many tables they have on the premises.
Some businesses in the neighborhood have failed, and Ms. Walsh would like to see this business
do we11.
��- �� Z.�
PLTERTA AZLTL, 1811 Selby Avenue, 11-15-99
E�T-�
Mike Ashton, 1816 Se1by Avenue, appeazed and stated he lives across the street from Puerta
Azut, and Mr. Ashton has a business on the corner. This is an upscale, nice restaurant. Not being
able to ha�e a glass of wine or beer would be takiug something away. It is not the kind of place
where young people will just hang out. It will be good for Mr. Ashton's business also.
Florence and James Pappas, 1791 Hague Avenue, appeared. Ms. Pappas stated this is a quality
restaurant and the azea is fortunate to have it. This part of Selby has not been interesting over the
yeazs, and does not have the class that Grand Avenue has. This restaurant will help unprove the
area. It is the college students houses that cause concern. Taste of Thailand is about two blocks
away, they serve wine and/or beer there, and there has not been a problem in the area because of
that.
This restaurant is an improvement, stated Mr. Pappas, and will help the antique stores.
Katharine Macey, Pete's Hazdwood Floors, 186 Fa'vview Avenue North, appeared and stated she
agrees with the testimony that preceded her. The focus at Puerta Azul is on the food. There is no
beer counter. It is cleazly all geazed toward a dining experience. The conditions are not
conducive to drinking to excess, parrying, or massive diuukenness. Also, this business will attract
the kind of patrons that will also benefit Pete's Hardwood Floors.
William Poynton, 1817 Selby Avenue, appeared and stated he is a landlard of the building and
owns a business next door. The owners have made a contribution into the neighbarhood by ,
investing a lot of money into improving the restaurant that is there, and they have signed a long
term lease. Puerta Aznl is a very small space with a limited number of seats. They are serious
about the food. It has improved the neighborhood, and they haue brought a lot of people into the
neighborhood. It is unreasonable to deny them a license to serve a glass of wine or beer.
Mr. Strathman stated he received letters in support of the application as follows: Leon and Elaine
Oman, 1865 Laurel Avenue; Robert Carlson, Sweeney Hagerman, Pete Peters, Kadee Macey
from Pete's Hardwood Floors, 186 Fairview Avenue North; Angela Marckei, 115 Fairview
Avenue North; John Waddle, 1847 Selhy Avenue; Jon and Kathleen Walsh, 1829 Dayton Avenue;
Sherilyn Young, Merriam Park Community Council, 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite 311; and Roger
Meyer, Merriam Park Community Council, 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite #311.
(Mojtaba Sadr-Panah gaue Mr. Strathman a letter in support of the licenses from Jack Otis, 156
Fairview Avenue North.)
Mojtaba Sadr-Panah, Manager, appeared and stated their focus is on the food; beer and wine
would be a complement to the food. He had been in business for over a yeaz at another location,
and had to move because the buiiding was demolished. There was beer and wine there. That
restaurant was surrounded by student housing and maybe 5% of the business came from students
who wanted to have a nice meal. However, his focus is not on drawing students to the business.
Mr. Panah has been in the restaurant business many years and lrnows how to manage it.
���\12G
PLTERTA AZiTL, 1811 Selby Avenue, 11-15-99
(Mr. Panah gave Mr. Strathman a copy of the menu.)
Page 3
Gerry Strathmau recommended approval of the license application citing he understands the
neighbors who aze in objection; however, the license application is in order. He cannot find a
reason to believe the issuance of these licenses would be contrary to the best interests of the City
and neighborhood.
The meeting was adjoumed at 3:58 p.m.
rrci
��1C1NAL
RESOLUTION
CITY)OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
Presented
Referred To
�
coun�a F�e # 9y i�a �
Green Sheet # 101638
Committee Date
i WHEREAS, the Legisiafive Hearing Officer recommends that license application (ID # 19990005398) for Malt
2 Off Sale (Strong), Wine On Sale, and Restaurant (B) Licenses by Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul, 1811
3 Selby Avenue, be approved;
4 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves these licenses.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Yeas Nays Absent
Blakey y �
Coleman �-
Hazris „/
Benanav �
Reiter V i�'
Bostrom ��'
L�n ✓
� )
12 Adopted by Council: Date �_,� a� `���
13
14 Adoption
15 By:
16 Approved
i7 By:
Requested by Department o£
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
�
99- //a9
DEPARTMINT/OFFICEACOUNCIL DATEINRUIT�
c�t Council Offices 11-17-99 GREEN SHEET No 1 01638
CON�ACT PFR� & PFiONE YYtlaYDaO� NtlWlmb
Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 oa..,,e,ro�ear,e ana,,,,a
MUST BE ON COUNCILAGEbH.Y1 BY (OA7�
November 24, 1999 �
IYY�6tFOR OIYAi101EY OiYCIi�K
ROUTWG
� R1I111WLa0NIKSOR ❑ n+�I1CY1tiFTYP11LCfC
' ❑wvaRfde�asnwn ❑
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES (CIJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
CTION REQUES7ED
Approving application for Malt On SAle (Strong), Wine On Sale, and Restaurant (B) Licenses by
Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul, 1811 Selby Avenue.
RECAMMENDATION Approve (A) w Rejec4 (R) 7EILSOWIL SERViCE CONiRACTS MUST ANSWER iXE FOLLAM/IN6 QUES7ION5:
1. Fi�thisP��erervrorkedunderawnhac[torfhisdepaAment?
PLANNMG COMMISSION YES NO
CIB COMMI7TEE 2. tias mis pe�saJfirm e+�er 6een a ary empoyee9
CIVILSERVICECAMMISSION VES NO
� a ores uwc persaUfum po�c a slau not nonn�Naacessed br am cu�rent citv emvbree?
YES NO
4. la tltia peisaNfirm a tergetetl ventloR
YES NO
F�lain �I Y� a�s on sepa�ate sheet anA attach to Oreen shee[
INITIATINCa PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORTUNITY (WFa, Whaf, When, Where, Why)
ADVAMAGES IF APPROVED ,
�C�':�`;;'s' �'; , w. u'� .� �`"'��'
Gc,a^
_ .. 6V�§ � 8 ���e8
DISADVAMAGES IF APPROVED
DISADVANTAGES IF NOTAPPROVED ` �� N � � � -- � � � �
TOTAL AMOUNT OP TRANSACTION S CC3T�REVENUE BUDGETm (CIRCLE ON� YES NO
FlINDING SOURCE ACTNITY NUFIBER
FIN4NCIAL Wf-0RMATON (EJfPWN)
�t� �\ZR
�.
NffNi JTES OF THE LECTISLA"l IVE HEARING
PUERTA AZUL, 1811 SELBY AVENLJE
Monday, November 15, 1999
Room 330 City Hall
Gerry Strathman, Legisiative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 3:35 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Martens, License, Inspecrions, Environmental Protection (LIEP)
Gerry Strathman stated this legislative hearing is being held to discuss objections to the issuance
of licenses to Puerta Azul, 1811 Selby Avenue. At the conciusion of the meeting, Mr. Strathman
will make a recommendation to the City Council; the City Council will make the final
determination on this matter.
Corinne Martens reported this is a license application for Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul,
18ll Selby Avenue. They aze applying for Malt On Sale (Strong) and Wine On Sale licenses.
These license have been approved by Fire, Zoning, and Environmental Health. There aze no
pending adverse actions against this applicant.
Mr. Strathman asked to hear from people in objection to these licenses. (No one came forward.)
Mr. Sirathman stated he received objection letters from the following: Helen Elizabeth Proechel,
224 Fairview Avenue North, wrote about the restaurant being open late, noise, tzaffic, and
expensive food; Lynette Koopman, 1790 Selby Avenue, wrote about liquor; Christine Wahlstrom,
1824 Selby Avenue, wrote about liquor, pazking, litter, security, crime; George Scholler, 1747
Selby Avenue, wrote about beer and wine licenses; and Chillon Leach, 1795 Dayton Avenue,
wrote about wine and beer, tr�c, pazking, late night pedestrian problems.
Mr. Strathman asked to heaz from people in support of these licenses.
Jon and Kathleen Walsh, 1829 Dayton Avenue, appeared. Mr. Wa1sh stated that having a
restaurant in the neighborhood will be a benefit. However, he supports the other neighbors in
their objecrions because of college students that cause problems in the neighborhood. The
neighbors are so sensitized to pariying and drinking in the neighborhood with the college students,
that whenever the issue of alcohol is brought up, people get upset.
People having wine and beer while having dinner, stated Ms. Walsh, are not ordinarlly creating
the problems the neighborhood is concerned about. Also, it may be an impairment for Puerta
Azul to not provide wine and beer. Parking should not be a probiem because Puerta Azi.il has
approximately 12 parking spots, which is about how many tables they have on the premises.
Some businesses in the neighborhood have failed, and Ms. Walsh would like to see this business
do we11.
��- �� Z.�
PLTERTA AZLTL, 1811 Selby Avenue, 11-15-99
E�T-�
Mike Ashton, 1816 Se1by Avenue, appeazed and stated he lives across the street from Puerta
Azut, and Mr. Ashton has a business on the corner. This is an upscale, nice restaurant. Not being
able to ha�e a glass of wine or beer would be takiug something away. It is not the kind of place
where young people will just hang out. It will be good for Mr. Ashton's business also.
Florence and James Pappas, 1791 Hague Avenue, appeared. Ms. Pappas stated this is a quality
restaurant and the azea is fortunate to have it. This part of Selby has not been interesting over the
yeazs, and does not have the class that Grand Avenue has. This restaurant will help unprove the
area. It is the college students houses that cause concern. Taste of Thailand is about two blocks
away, they serve wine and/or beer there, and there has not been a problem in the area because of
that.
This restaurant is an improvement, stated Mr. Pappas, and will help the antique stores.
Katharine Macey, Pete's Hazdwood Floors, 186 Fa'vview Avenue North, appeared and stated she
agrees with the testimony that preceded her. The focus at Puerta Azul is on the food. There is no
beer counter. It is cleazly all geazed toward a dining experience. The conditions are not
conducive to drinking to excess, parrying, or massive diuukenness. Also, this business will attract
the kind of patrons that will also benefit Pete's Hardwood Floors.
William Poynton, 1817 Selby Avenue, appeared and stated he is a landlard of the building and
owns a business next door. The owners have made a contribution into the neighbarhood by ,
investing a lot of money into improving the restaurant that is there, and they have signed a long
term lease. Puerta Aznl is a very small space with a limited number of seats. They are serious
about the food. It has improved the neighborhood, and they haue brought a lot of people into the
neighborhood. It is unreasonable to deny them a license to serve a glass of wine or beer.
Mr. Strathman stated he received letters in support of the application as follows: Leon and Elaine
Oman, 1865 Laurel Avenue; Robert Carlson, Sweeney Hagerman, Pete Peters, Kadee Macey
from Pete's Hardwood Floors, 186 Fairview Avenue North; Angela Marckei, 115 Fairview
Avenue North; John Waddle, 1847 Selhy Avenue; Jon and Kathleen Walsh, 1829 Dayton Avenue;
Sherilyn Young, Merriam Park Community Council, 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite 311; and Roger
Meyer, Merriam Park Community Council, 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite #311.
(Mojtaba Sadr-Panah gaue Mr. Strathman a letter in support of the licenses from Jack Otis, 156
Fairview Avenue North.)
Mojtaba Sadr-Panah, Manager, appeared and stated their focus is on the food; beer and wine
would be a complement to the food. He had been in business for over a yeaz at another location,
and had to move because the buiiding was demolished. There was beer and wine there. That
restaurant was surrounded by student housing and maybe 5% of the business came from students
who wanted to have a nice meal. However, his focus is not on drawing students to the business.
Mr. Panah has been in the restaurant business many years and lrnows how to manage it.
���\12G
PLTERTA AZiTL, 1811 Selby Avenue, 11-15-99
(Mr. Panah gave Mr. Strathman a copy of the menu.)
Page 3
Gerry Strathmau recommended approval of the license application citing he understands the
neighbors who aze in objection; however, the license application is in order. He cannot find a
reason to believe the issuance of these licenses would be contrary to the best interests of the City
and neighborhood.
The meeting was adjoumed at 3:58 p.m.
rrci
��1C1NAL
RESOLUTION
CITY)OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
Presented
Referred To
�
coun�a F�e # 9y i�a �
Green Sheet # 101638
Committee Date
i WHEREAS, the Legisiafive Hearing Officer recommends that license application (ID # 19990005398) for Malt
2 Off Sale (Strong), Wine On Sale, and Restaurant (B) Licenses by Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul, 1811
3 Selby Avenue, be approved;
4 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves these licenses.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Yeas Nays Absent
Blakey y �
Coleman �-
Hazris „/
Benanav �
Reiter V i�'
Bostrom ��'
L�n ✓
� )
12 Adopted by Council: Date �_,� a� `���
13
14 Adoption
15 By:
16 Approved
i7 By:
Requested by Department o£
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
�
99- //a9
DEPARTMINT/OFFICEACOUNCIL DATEINRUIT�
c�t Council Offices 11-17-99 GREEN SHEET No 1 01638
CON�ACT PFR� & PFiONE YYtlaYDaO� NtlWlmb
Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 oa..,,e,ro�ear,e ana,,,,a
MUST BE ON COUNCILAGEbH.Y1 BY (OA7�
November 24, 1999 �
IYY�6tFOR OIYAi101EY OiYCIi�K
ROUTWG
� R1I111WLa0NIKSOR ❑ n+�I1CY1tiFTYP11LCfC
' ❑wvaRfde�asnwn ❑
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES (CIJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
CTION REQUES7ED
Approving application for Malt On SAle (Strong), Wine On Sale, and Restaurant (B) Licenses by
Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul, 1811 Selby Avenue.
RECAMMENDATION Approve (A) w Rejec4 (R) 7EILSOWIL SERViCE CONiRACTS MUST ANSWER iXE FOLLAM/IN6 QUES7ION5:
1. Fi�thisP��erervrorkedunderawnhac[torfhisdepaAment?
PLANNMG COMMISSION YES NO
CIB COMMI7TEE 2. tias mis pe�saJfirm e+�er 6een a ary empoyee9
CIVILSERVICECAMMISSION VES NO
� a ores uwc persaUfum po�c a slau not nonn�Naacessed br am cu�rent citv emvbree?
YES NO
4. la tltia peisaNfirm a tergetetl ventloR
YES NO
F�lain �I Y� a�s on sepa�ate sheet anA attach to Oreen shee[
INITIATINCa PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORTUNITY (WFa, Whaf, When, Where, Why)
ADVAMAGES IF APPROVED ,
�C�':�`;;'s' �'; , w. u'� .� �`"'��'
Gc,a^
_ .. 6V�§ � 8 ���e8
DISADVAMAGES IF APPROVED
DISADVANTAGES IF NOTAPPROVED ` �� N � � � -- � � � �
TOTAL AMOUNT OP TRANSACTION S CC3T�REVENUE BUDGETm (CIRCLE ON� YES NO
FlINDING SOURCE ACTNITY NUFIBER
FIN4NCIAL Wf-0RMATON (EJfPWN)
�t� �\ZR
�.
NffNi JTES OF THE LECTISLA"l IVE HEARING
PUERTA AZUL, 1811 SELBY AVENLJE
Monday, November 15, 1999
Room 330 City Hall
Gerry Strathman, Legisiative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 3:35 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Martens, License, Inspecrions, Environmental Protection (LIEP)
Gerry Strathman stated this legislative hearing is being held to discuss objections to the issuance
of licenses to Puerta Azul, 1811 Selby Avenue. At the conciusion of the meeting, Mr. Strathman
will make a recommendation to the City Council; the City Council will make the final
determination on this matter.
Corinne Martens reported this is a license application for Roshan Corporation, DBA Puerta Azul,
18ll Selby Avenue. They aze applying for Malt On Sale (Strong) and Wine On Sale licenses.
These license have been approved by Fire, Zoning, and Environmental Health. There aze no
pending adverse actions against this applicant.
Mr. Strathman asked to hear from people in objection to these licenses. (No one came forward.)
Mr. Sirathman stated he received objection letters from the following: Helen Elizabeth Proechel,
224 Fairview Avenue North, wrote about the restaurant being open late, noise, tzaffic, and
expensive food; Lynette Koopman, 1790 Selby Avenue, wrote about liquor; Christine Wahlstrom,
1824 Selby Avenue, wrote about liquor, pazking, litter, security, crime; George Scholler, 1747
Selby Avenue, wrote about beer and wine licenses; and Chillon Leach, 1795 Dayton Avenue,
wrote about wine and beer, tr�c, pazking, late night pedestrian problems.
Mr. Strathman asked to heaz from people in support of these licenses.
Jon and Kathleen Walsh, 1829 Dayton Avenue, appeared. Mr. Wa1sh stated that having a
restaurant in the neighborhood will be a benefit. However, he supports the other neighbors in
their objecrions because of college students that cause problems in the neighborhood. The
neighbors are so sensitized to pariying and drinking in the neighborhood with the college students,
that whenever the issue of alcohol is brought up, people get upset.
People having wine and beer while having dinner, stated Ms. Walsh, are not ordinarlly creating
the problems the neighborhood is concerned about. Also, it may be an impairment for Puerta
Azul to not provide wine and beer. Parking should not be a probiem because Puerta Azi.il has
approximately 12 parking spots, which is about how many tables they have on the premises.
Some businesses in the neighborhood have failed, and Ms. Walsh would like to see this business
do we11.
��- �� Z.�
PLTERTA AZLTL, 1811 Selby Avenue, 11-15-99
E�T-�
Mike Ashton, 1816 Se1by Avenue, appeazed and stated he lives across the street from Puerta
Azut, and Mr. Ashton has a business on the corner. This is an upscale, nice restaurant. Not being
able to ha�e a glass of wine or beer would be takiug something away. It is not the kind of place
where young people will just hang out. It will be good for Mr. Ashton's business also.
Florence and James Pappas, 1791 Hague Avenue, appeared. Ms. Pappas stated this is a quality
restaurant and the azea is fortunate to have it. This part of Selby has not been interesting over the
yeazs, and does not have the class that Grand Avenue has. This restaurant will help unprove the
area. It is the college students houses that cause concern. Taste of Thailand is about two blocks
away, they serve wine and/or beer there, and there has not been a problem in the area because of
that.
This restaurant is an improvement, stated Mr. Pappas, and will help the antique stores.
Katharine Macey, Pete's Hazdwood Floors, 186 Fa'vview Avenue North, appeared and stated she
agrees with the testimony that preceded her. The focus at Puerta Azul is on the food. There is no
beer counter. It is cleazly all geazed toward a dining experience. The conditions are not
conducive to drinking to excess, parrying, or massive diuukenness. Also, this business will attract
the kind of patrons that will also benefit Pete's Hardwood Floors.
William Poynton, 1817 Selby Avenue, appeared and stated he is a landlard of the building and
owns a business next door. The owners have made a contribution into the neighbarhood by ,
investing a lot of money into improving the restaurant that is there, and they have signed a long
term lease. Puerta Aznl is a very small space with a limited number of seats. They are serious
about the food. It has improved the neighborhood, and they haue brought a lot of people into the
neighborhood. It is unreasonable to deny them a license to serve a glass of wine or beer.
Mr. Strathman stated he received letters in support of the application as follows: Leon and Elaine
Oman, 1865 Laurel Avenue; Robert Carlson, Sweeney Hagerman, Pete Peters, Kadee Macey
from Pete's Hardwood Floors, 186 Fairview Avenue North; Angela Marckei, 115 Fairview
Avenue North; John Waddle, 1847 Selhy Avenue; Jon and Kathleen Walsh, 1829 Dayton Avenue;
Sherilyn Young, Merriam Park Community Council, 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite 311; and Roger
Meyer, Merriam Park Community Council, 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite #311.
(Mojtaba Sadr-Panah gaue Mr. Strathman a letter in support of the licenses from Jack Otis, 156
Fairview Avenue North.)
Mojtaba Sadr-Panah, Manager, appeared and stated their focus is on the food; beer and wine
would be a complement to the food. He had been in business for over a yeaz at another location,
and had to move because the buiiding was demolished. There was beer and wine there. That
restaurant was surrounded by student housing and maybe 5% of the business came from students
who wanted to have a nice meal. However, his focus is not on drawing students to the business.
Mr. Panah has been in the restaurant business many years and lrnows how to manage it.
���\12G
PLTERTA AZiTL, 1811 Selby Avenue, 11-15-99
(Mr. Panah gave Mr. Strathman a copy of the menu.)
Page 3
Gerry Strathmau recommended approval of the license application citing he understands the
neighbors who aze in objection; however, the license application is in order. He cannot find a
reason to believe the issuance of these licenses would be contrary to the best interests of the City
and neighborhood.
The meeting was adjoumed at 3:58 p.m.
rrci