96-1577 ` f-� ' ,`' � Council File #�������
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Green Sheet # `�U7Z `
RESOLUTION
CI OF AINT PAUL, MINNESOTA ,3
Presented By
Referred To Committee: Date
1
2 WHEREAS, Robert Flores made application to the Boazd of Zoning Appeals for a
3 variance from the strict application of the provisions of the Saint Paul Zoning Code for property
4 located at 36 South Dale Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, legally described as Lots 11 and 12,
5 Block 4; Terrace Park Addition; and
6
7 WHEREAS, the purpose of the application was to vary the standards of the zoning code
8 so as to receive a variance for seven off- street parking spaces in order to obtain a liquor license
9 for the applicant's resta.urant, the La Cucaracha; and
10
11 WHEREAS, the Board of Zoning Appeals conducted a public hearing on August 12,
12 1996, after having provided notice to affected property owners, and the Boazd, by its resolution
13 number 96-171, dated August 26, 1996, granted the variance, with conditions, based upon the
14 following findings and conclusions:
15
16 1. As with most sites along Grand Avenue, this business does not
17 have sufficient off-street parking to meet the current parking
18 standards. The applicant states that in order to compete with the
19 recent influx of chain restaurants, it is necessary to provide cocktail
20 service with strong liquor. Holding this restaurant to the strict
21 provisions of the code would unreasonably restrict it's ability to
22 compete in today's mazket.
23
24 2. The lack of available off-street parking and/or sites to develop for
25 parking along Grand Avenue is a circumstance that was not created
26 by the applicant.
27
28 3. The City limits the number of liquor licenses available in each
29 district of the City and a license recently became available in this
30 district. While the primary goal of the ordinance is to control the
31 concentration of liquor establishments in each district, it also has
32 the effect of controlling, to some degree, the parking problems in
33 a district since a liquor establishment requires more parking than
34 retail or office uses. The applicant's desire to take advantage of an
35 available license in order to keep his restaurant competitive is in
36 keeping with the spirit and intent of the code.
37
38 4. The applicant states that he does not intend to increase the seating
39 in the resta.urant if he obtains the liquor license nor does he expect
40 a significant increase in customers. He also states that he now
41 owns the entire building and will maintain a mixture of retail and
42 office uses in the building that are compatible in terms of peak
43 parking hours. If no additional restaurants are added to the
1 building, and provided that La Cucaracha does not expand its ���`'j��
2 seating, there should be no adverse affect on the neighborhood
3 through the granting of a liquor license.
4
5 5. A restaurant with a liquor service is a permitted use in a B-2
6 zoning district.
7
8 6. The request for variance is based primarily on a desire to maintain
9 a viable restaurant in a competitive business; and
10
11 WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Saint Paul Legislative Code § 64.205, Ian T.
12 Ball, duly filed with the City Clerk an appeal from the determination made by the Board of
13 Zoning Appeals requesting that a hearing be held before the City Council for the purpose of
14 considering the actions ta.ken by the said Board; and
15
16 WHEREAS, acting pursuant to § 64.205 through § 64.208 and upon notice to affected
17 parties, a public hearing was duly conducted by the City Council on September 25, 1996, where
18 all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard; and
19
20 WHEREAS, the Council, having heard the statements made and having considered the
21 variance application,the report of staff,the record, minutes and resolution of the Board of Zoning
22 Appeals, does hereby;
23
24 RESOLVE, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul affirms the decision of the Board
25 of Zoning Appeals in this matter based on the following findings of the Council:
26
27 Based upon all the testimony and having considered the application, the report of
28 staff,the Board of Zoning Appeals' record minutes and the resolution of the Board
29 of Zoning Appeals, the Council of the City of Saint Paul, finding no error as to
30 fact, finding or law in the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals, adopts and
31 incorporates herein the findings and conditions in Board of Zoning Appeals
32 Resolution No. 96-171; and
33
34 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that based upon the above stated findings and reasons,
35 the appeal of Ian T. Ball is hereby denied. However, pursuant to Saint Paul Legislative Code §
36 64.207 and based upon the public hearing testimony,the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby
37 amends the following conditions stated in the said resolution:
38
39 1. That the parking lot is restriped and clearly identified as customer parking only.
40
41 2. That the bar area within the restaurant is not expanded; in accordance with the
42 application for variance and the site plan on file with the Zoning Administrator.
43
44 by adding, as numbered, the following conditions to the variance:
45
46 3. The La Cucaracha Restaurant cannot expand into any of the space
47 formerly occupied as a pharmacy.
48
49 4. The La Cucaracha Restaurant must lease seven off-street parking
50 spaces for use by restaurant employees. These off-street parking
51 spaces must be maintained so long as the premises is licensed as an
52 on-sale liquor establishment. A copy of the off-street parking lease
1 must be posted on the premises. A copy of the lease shall be ������
2 provided the office of License, Inspections and Environmental
3 Protection.
4
5 5. The applicant and the applicant's successors and assigns agree to
6 waive any right to a hearing or appeal under Saint Paul Legislative
7 Code § 310.05 of any decision of the Saint Paul City Council as it
8 pertains to a decision on future expansion of the liquor service area
9 in the premises; and
10
11 BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Clerk shall mail a copy of this resolution
12 to Mr. Ian T. Ball, Mr. Robert Flores, the Zoning Administrator, the Boazd of Zoning Appeals
13 and the Saint Paul Planning Commission.
�_ ;_. � �
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Yeas Navs Absent Requested by Department of:
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Form Approved by City Attorney
Adopted by Co}uicil: Dat �
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Adoption C,�rtified by o c' ecretary gY: ��,
, ����,. � , -
By� Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
Approved by Mayo : Date I �
By: cf-)���" �����U� By:
�i�-- \��-1
403 ��
OEPIIRTI�NTIOFF�FJ'COUNCIL OATE INITIATED
City Council GREEN SHEET
CONTACT PERSON 3 PHONE �DEPARTMENT DIRECTORNITIAL/DATE ��,�,COUNCIL �NITIAUDATE
Dave Thune, 266-8620 ASSIGN �CITYATTORNEY �CITYCLERK
MUST BE ON COUNCIL AGENDA BY(DATE) NUMBER FOR ❑BUDGET DIRECTOR �FIN.&MaT.$ERVICES DIR.
ROUTINa
ORDER �MAYOH(OR ASSISTANn �
TOTAL#OF SI(iNATURE PACiES (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
ACTION REQUESTED:
Memorializing decision of City Council denying the appeal of Ian T. Ball from a decision of
the Board of Zoning Appeals for property located at 36 South Dale Street, and adding
conditions.
RECOMMENDATIONS:Approve(A)or Rejsct(R) pERSONAI SERVICE CONTRACTS MUST ANSWER TNE FOLLOWIN�QUESTION8:
_PLANNING COMMISSION _ CIVIL SERVICE COMMIS310N 1• Has this person/firm eve�worked under e coMract for this department?
_CIB COMMITTEE � YES NO
2. Has this person/ffrm ever been a city employee?
_STAFF — YES NO
_DISTRIC7 COURT _ 3. Does this personRirm possess a skill not normally possessed by any current city employee?
SUPPORT$WHICH COUNCIL OBJECTIVE7 YES NO
Explaln all yes enswars on seperete shest end attach to yroen sh�st
INITIATiNO PROBLEM,ISSUE,OPPORTUNI7Y(Who,What,WMn,Where,Why):
ADVANTAGES IF APPROVED:
DISADVANTACiES IF APPROVED:
�3�Y'eiiR^�S ")..�q»,anY;P`•rl�i �,fv:l'-�tY's�
���.,.� �., �� ��V V
DISADVANTAQES IF NOT APPROVED: --'
TOTAL AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION s COST/REVENUE BUDGETED(CIRCLE ONE) YES NO
FUNDIWG 80URCE ACTIVITY NUMBER
FINANCIAL INFORIJiATION:(EXPLAIN)
ROUTING ORDER:
Below are correct routings for the five most frequent types of dceume�ts:
CONTRACTS(assumes authorized budget exists) COUNCII RESOLUTION(Amend Budgets/Accspt.C3rants)
1. Outside Agency 1. Department Director
2. Department Director 2. Budget Director
3. City Attomey 3. City Anomey
4. Mayor(for contracts over$25,000) 4. MayodAssistant
5. Human Rights(for contracts over$50,000) 5. City Councl
6. Finance and Menagement Services Director 6. Chief Accountant,Finanoe and Management Servioes
7. Finance Accounting
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS(Budget Revision) COUNCIL RESOLUTION(all othere,and OMlnancea)
1. Activity Manager 1. Department Director
2. Department Accountant 2. City Attomey
3. Department Director 3. Mayor Assistant
4. Budget Director 4. Ciry Council
5. City Cierk
6. Chiei Accountant, Finance and Management Services
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS(all others)
t. Department Director
2. Ciry Attomey
3. Finance and Management Services Director
4. City Clerk
TOTAL NUMBER OF SIGNATURE PAGES
Indfcate the#�of pages on which signatures are requi�ed and papsrclip or fla�
sach oi thase pagss.
ACTION REQUESTED
Describe what the projecUrequest seeks to accomplish in either chronologi-
cal order or order of importance,whichever is most appropriate for the
issue.Oo not write complete sentences.Begin each item in your list with
a verb.
RECOMMENDATtONS
Complete i(the issue in question has been presented betore any body,public
or private.
SUPPORTS WHICH COUNCIL OBJECTIVE?
Indicate which Council objective(s)your projecUrequest supports by listing
the key word(s)(HOUSING, RECREATION, NEIGHBORHOODS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,
BUDGET,SEWER SEPARATION). (SEE COMPLETE LiST IN INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL.)
PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS:
This informatton will be used to determine the ciry's liability for workers compensation claims,taxes and proper civil servke hiring rules.
INITIATING PROBLEM, ISSUE,OPPORTUNITY
Explain the situation or conditions that created e need tor your project
or request.
ADVANTAGES IF APPROVED
Indicate whether this is simply an annual budget procedure required by law/
charter or whether there are specific ways in which the City of Saint Paui
and its citizens wili benetit(rom this projecVaction.
DISADVANTAGES IF APPROVED
What negative effects or major changes to existing or past processes might
this projecVrequest produce i(it is passed(e.g.,tralf'�c delays,noise,
tax increases or assessments)?To Whom?When?For how long�
DISADVANTAGES IF NOT APPROVED
What will be the negative consequences if the promised action is not
approved4 Inability to deliver service?Continued high traHic,noise,
accident rate?Loss of revenue?
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Although you must tailor the intormation you provide here to the issue you
are addressing, in general you must answer rivo questions: How much is it
going to cost?Who is going to pay?
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY G���-�-7
Timothy E. Marx, City Anorney �
CITY OF SAINT PAUL Civil Drvision
, Norm Coleman, Mayor 400 City Hall Telephone.• 611 266-8710
IS West Kellogg Blvd. Facsimile: 612 198-5619
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
�
December 17, 1996
Ms . Nancy Anderson
City Council Research
Room 310
Saint Paul City Hall/Court House
Saint Paul, MN 55102
RE: Resolution memorializing decision of City Council denying the
appeal of Ian T. Ball from a decision of the Board of Zoning
Appeals for property located at 36 South Dale Street, Saint
Paul, IrII�T.
Dear Nancy:
Attached please find for addition to the consent agenda at your
convenience a resolution signed as to form memorializing a decision
of the City Council denying the appeal of Ian T. Ball of a Board of
Zoning Appeals decision to grant the owner of the La Cucaracha
restaurant a seven space parking variance.
Very truly yours,
��� "" v ���
Peter W. Warner
Assistant City Attorney
CC : J. Hardwick, LIEP-Zoning
q� -i �� �
September 6, 1996
Ms.Nancy Anderson
City Council Research Office
Room 310 City Hall
Saint Paul,Minnesota 55102
Dear Ms.Anderson:
I would like to confirm that a public hearing before the City Council is scheduled for Wednesday
September 25, 1996 for the following appeal of a Board of Zoning Appeals decision:
Appellant: Ian T. Ball
File Number: 96-171
Purpose: Appeal of a Board of Zoning Appeals decision granting a parking variance in order
to obtain a liquor license for La Cucaracha Restaurant.
Address: 36 S. Dale Street, St. Paul,MN. 55102
Legal Description of Property: Lots 11 and 12,Block 4; Terrace Park Add.
Previous Action:
The Zoning and Land Use Committee of the Summit Hill/District 16 Planning Council recommended
approval of the variance with conditions.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved the variance request, subject to conditions, on a vote of 4- 1
with 1 abstention
My understanding is that this public hearing request will appear on the agenda for the
September 18, 1996 City Council meeting and that you will publish notice of the hearing in the Saint Paul
Legal Ledger. Please call me at 266-9082 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
John Hardwick
Zoning Technician
cc: Council member Thune
File#96-171
` �o�ro��ic�nra
The Saint Paul Ciry Council will conduct a publtc hearing on Wednea ,
September 25, 1996, at 4:30 p.m., in the City Council Cha:nbers.Tt�i3rd ,; •
City Hall,to coasider the�ppeal of Ian T.Ball to a decision of the Board of:Zo
' Appeals granting a parking variance in order to obtaia a liquor licensa
; La Cucaracha Restaurant at 36 S. Dale Street. -
Dated:September 18. 18�96--,__ _ ,.r.-,. l
NANCY ANDERSON - . .
. Assistant City Council Saef� ; , .
_ Mt�■��Y+�.1#1�)
OFFICE OF LICENSE,INSPECTIONS AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION n1/_ _ �F��
Robert Kess[er,Director ���U �
CITY OF SAINT PAUL LOWRY PROFESSIONAL Telephone:612-266-9090
Norm Coleman, Mayor BUILDING Facsimile: 612-266-9099
Suite 300 612-266-9124
350 St. Peter Street
Saint Pau[,Minnesota 55102-I510
�i
September 6, 1996
Ms.Nancy Anderson
City Council Research Office
Room 310 City Hall
Saint Paul,Minnesota 55102
Dear Ms.Anderson:
I would like to confirm that a public hearing before the City Council is scheduled for Wednesday
September 25, 1996 for the following appeal of a Board of Zoning Appeals decision:
Appellant: Ian T. Ball
File Number: 96-171
Purpose: Appeal of a Board of Zoning Appeals decision granting a
parking variance in order to obtain a liquor license for La
Cucaracha Restaurant.
Address: 36 S. Dale Street
Legal Description of Property: Lots 11 and 12,Block 4, Terrace Park Add.
Previous Action: The Zoning and Land Use Committee of the Summit
Hill/District 16 Planning Council recommended approval of
the variance with conditions.
Staff recommended approval with conditions
Board of Zoning Appeals; approved with conditions on a vote
of 5-2.
My understanding is that this public hearing request will appear on the agenda for the
September 18, 1996 City Council meeting and that you will publish notice of the hearing in the
Saint Paul Legal Ledger. Please call me at 266-9082 if you have any questions.
S' cerely, ;
.
�.
/ hn Hard ick
� oning Technician
cc: Council Member Thune
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APPELLANT Name IAN T. BALL
Address 6 2 SOUTH DALE, APT F
� City ST. PAUL St,MN ZiP 5 510 2 Daytime phone 3 3 8-1313
PROPERTY Zoning File Name � CUCARACHA/ROBERT W. FLORES
LOCATION Address/Location 36 S0. DALE STREET, ST. PAUL MN 55102
TYPE OF APPEAL: Application is hereby made for an appeal to the: �
❑ Board of Zoning Appeals �City Council
under the provisions of Chapter 64, Section 206 , Paragraph (a) of the Zoning Code, to
appeal a decision made by the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
on AUGUST 26, 1996 , 19 File number: 96-171
(dafe of decision)
GROUNDS FOR APPEAL: Explain why you feel there has been an error in any requirement,
permit, decision or refusal made by an administrative official, or an error in fact, procedure or
findin4 rnade by the Roard of Zoning Appeals or the Planning Commission.
AP�LICANT HAS F�ILED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SEC. 64 . 203 �
(b) (1) , (2) , (3) , and (6) OF THE ZONING CODE. THE CONDITIONS
ATTACHED TO THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VARIANCE WILL IMPAIR
TRAFFIC, INCREASE PARKING DEMAND, AND INADEQUATELY DESCRIBE •
THE PHYSICAL AREA APPROVED FOR THE VARIANCE.
OgIO�fI9E100D35�.{i��i�'� �.�1'}�
4�180 VARIANCE �150 00
G�IEi.�i �1�7 QO
Attach additional sheet if necessary)
Applicant's signature � /�'-�' �-� Date� � %� City agent
. ,.
IAN TRAQUAIR BALL
G2 SOUTH DALE
ST. PAUL,MINNESOTA 5 S IO2
, September 3, 1996
Zoning Administration
Attn: John Hardwick, LIEP
350 St. Peter Street, Suite 300
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102-1510
Re: Variance Application of Robert W. Flores
Zoning File No. 96-171
Dear Mr. Hardwick:
Enclosed for filing is an application for appeal to the
City Council of the approval of the variance application of
Robert W. Flores by the Board of Zoning Appeals, by resolution
dated August 26, 1996 . Also enclosed is my check in the
amount of $150.00 for the filing fee, and affidavit of service
of application for appeal upon Robert W. Flores by United
States mail. If you need to contact me by phone, my daytime
telephone number is 338-1313. Please advise me when this
matter will be placed on the City Council 's agenda.
Sincerely,
��, I ��:�.p
Ian Traqu r Ball
Enclosures
G� -15�11
UNSWORN DECLARATION FOR PROOF OF SERVICE
In Re:
Application of Robert W. Flores
Zoning File No. 96-171
Ian Traquair Ball, Appellant, states that on September 4,
1996, I served the attached Application for Appeal, Zoning File No.
96-171, on Robert W. Flores, by enclosing a copy thereof in an
envelope with first class mail postage prepaid and depositing the
same in the post office in Minneapolis, Minnesota addressed as
follows:
Robert W. Flores Robert W. Flores
3911 Bailey Ridge Drive 36 South Dale
Woodbury, MN 55125 St. Paul, MN 55102
And I declare, under penalty of perjurty, that the foregoing
is true and correct.
Dated this 4th day of September, 1996.
� `
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`` APPLICATION FOR ZONING ORDINANCE VARIANCE
� CITY OF SAINT PAUL
• ;t A VARIANCE OF ZONING CODE CHAPTER �Z,SECTION �3 PARAGRAPH �i 3� 6.
IS RE�UESTED IN CONFORMITY WITH THE POWERS VESTED IN THE BOARD OF ZCyMNG AP-
;. I 1
� PEALS TO PERMIT THE _���Y ��Ce.v�SG. ON PROPERTY
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DESCRIBED BELOW.
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� � A. Applicant; NAME: ��
,: _ `, Q
ADDRESS y�) �� � �" � rl`�'�
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.�,T� �' -�-�6 `r ZIP CODE
� 1. Property interest of applican (owne contract purchaser,etc.) �
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t 2. Name of owner(if different) '
. �
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' B. Property Description: ADDRESS � � �O L �� a f �`
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1. Legal description: LOT � � L BLOCK ADD. �'`^
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� � 2. Lot size: ��QDU V ;
,' n
s 3. Present Use .r v Present Zoning Disl� ��
C. Reasons for Request: ---�(,� ���«,�- ����d r"e yhQ��1 '�Q SG2/LVt.� .
` 1. Proposed use�, ;
' �-� c�Acolr�ol�c �tla,�Q9cz u.�Qd be s�Y�e� • ,
� :
� 2. What physical characteristics of the property prevent its being used for any of the pertnittec� ` �
�: uses in your zone7(topography,soil conditions,size and shape of lot,etc.) �t'� ;
� �JiZ� o�- �arl- � ; ;
� � � :
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3. State the specific variation requested,giving distances where appropriate.��
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E � o-�c4i�f-►'ah � ct ���or 1�ce.v�se iriCrea�,scs �
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r 4. Exp�in how your case cdilforms to each of the following: '
; i
t a. That the strict appiication of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance would result in peculiar i
� or excepGonal practical difficulties,or exceptionai undue hardships. �
. ; �P p�a c�
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< b. That the granting of a variance will CASHIERS USE ONLY
'- not be a substantial detriment to
= public good or a substantial impair- ^� ������j�
i ment of the intent and purpose of ��
;�. the Zoning Ordinance. ��35,�
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❑ �
RESTAURANTE
&
CAMINA
CITY OF ST PAUL JLTLY 9, 1996
LICENSE DIVISION
ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF.MY NAME IS BOB FLORES AND I AM THE
PRESIDENT OF SANI'OS CORP. DBA LACUCARACHA MEXICAN RESTAI:fR.ANl�.
LACUCARACHA IS LOCATED AT 36 SO. DALE ST. AND HAS BEEN SERVING THE
CITY AND SURROLJNDING CO1��IlvI[JNITY FOR TVVEN'TY SEVEN YEARS.STARTIl�TG
OUT AS A ONE ROOM DINER MY FANIIL,IE AND MYSELF HAVE MADE IT INTO ONE
OF THE CITYS DESTINATION AUTHEN]CIC MEXICAN RESTAURANTS.DLTRING OUR
GROW'I�-I YEARS WE APPLIED FOR AND RECIEVED APPROVAL FOR FIRST A 3.2
BEER LICENSE THEN LATER WI1�IE AND 3.2 BEER LICENSE.WE THEN HELPED
LOBBY FOR THE ABILTI'iY TO SERVE STRONG BEER AND VVINE ON THE STATE
LEVEL AS TT WAS N�T ALLOWED THEN.SUBSEQENTLY THE LAW PASSED AND
TI�CTTY APPROVED OUR REQUEST.ALL OF THIS MAY SEEM A BIT LONG WINDED
BUT TT WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE STRONG LICENSE WE WERE HOPING FOR
WAS NEVER AVAII.,ABLE IN DISTRICT TWO.RECENTLY TT CAME TO MY
ATTENTION THAT A LICENSE HAD FINAI�LY BECOME AVAII.,ABLE FOR US AND I
WOULD LII{E TO APPLY FOR TT.YOU WONT KNOW HOW MUCH TT WaULD MEAN
T�US TO FINALLY BE ABLE TO SERVE AN ACI�NTIC TEQUII.,A MARGARITA TO
QO ALONQ WITH OUR AWARD WIlVNINQ MEXICAN FOOD, ALLOWIl�TC� US TO
COMPETE Vf1ITH THE RECENT INF�`LUX OF BIG CHAIN MEXICAN RESTAUItANTS
THAT HAVE RECENTLY MO�IED INTO OUR AREA CLAIlvIING TO BE THE REAL
'ITIING.IN CLOSING WE ARE HAPPY TO BE A NiEMBER OF TI� BUSINESS
COI��vILJ'NITY IN ST PAUL AND LWK FORWARD TO CON7'�ILJIN(� TO BE A
RESPONSIBLE AND CIVIC MINDID OPERATION.
SINCERELY
BOB FLURES (612) 526-5505
❑
36 South Dale Street • St. Paul, Minnesota 55102 • (612) 221-9682 • Fax (612) 227-2836
� �� �
G� - �5�
�
614 Grand Avenue, #3F
Saint Paul Minnesota 55102-2640
30 July 1996
Mr. John Hardwick
Office of L1EP
Suite 300
350 St. Peter Street
Saint Paul,Minnesota 55102-1510
RE: Request for Variance by Robert Flores
File No.: 96-171
Dear Mr. Hardwick:
I have written a letter on behalf of the Malloy-Bathurst Condominium Association,
representing the interests of twelve families regarding the above-named matter. This letter I
am sending on my own.
The issues raised in the Condominium Association letter necessarily reflect my
opinions, as well as those of the other owners.
Essentially what I see happening here is that Mr. Flores will put his liquor license
in, once more providing no additional parking. After a"reasonable" amount of time,he
will throw up his hands in economic frustration, stating that no one wants to rent the
Grandendale Pharmacy site at a feasible rent,and therefore he has no choice but to put the
space to use. And what better way than to simply expand LaCucaracha into it?
The word is that he is planning to close down his Minneapolis operation and move
it over here. And while I had problems with the way Rosey's Coffeehouse was run,the
new owners were making an effort to run it properly. Mr. Flores would not even consider
granting them a lease, although they offered a 33 1/3% rent increase. God only knows
what will happen to the little barber shop wedged between LaCucazacha and the drug store.
This corner simply cannot withstand further parking and traffic pressure. It is
really that simple. Furthermore, and more ominous from where I sit,is that Mr. Flores,
although serving some of the best food in town, is less than responsible when it comes to
neighborhood concerns. Through all the expansions over the years, he has failed to
provide any additional parking. It is true that there are a dozen spaces behind the
restaurant,but they are marked emphatically as"private parking." Those spaces are used
strictly for employees. And again,while it is not unreasonable for one's employees to park
close,it is part of this ongoing problem we have on Grand Avenue.
We simply do not need another liquor establishment o the avenue. We cannot
support the traffic and parking problems at this corner. Th must be denied.
Sincere .,__
/
d Doole
TD/dc
, � y•, Y � �� �
I
q� � I5��1
Malloy-Bathurst Condominium Association
62 South Dale Street•Saint Paul,Minnesota 55102
29 July 1996
Mr. John Hazdwick
Office of LIEP
Suite 300
350 St. Peter Street
Saint Paul,Minnesota 55102-1510
� RE: Request for Variance by Robert Flores
File No.: 96-171
Dear Mr. Hazdwick:
Malloy-Bathurst Condominium Association represents the interest of twelve
families located on the corner of Grand and Dale.
As an association and as individuals,we adamantly,perhaps vehemently, oppose
the request for a variance requested by Mr. Flores.
In the twenty years I have lived on this corner,LaCucaracha has expanded its
business on three or four occasions. At no time has it provided off-street pazking for its
patrons. The seating capacity has increased from the original 15 or 20 seats to something
which appears to be well over 150. And at no time in twenry years has anyone I have
talked to been informed of any such expansion nor asked for our comments on it.
With the demise of Grandendale Pharmacy,Mr. Flores has now purchased the rest
of the corner. While he publicly states that he would like to place several small businesses
into the space and that he has no intention of expanding LaCucaracha, and that he wishes to
give the property the facelift that it has deserved for so long,his actions speak otherwise.
The facelift thus far is a sloppy job of greer.gaint. No one here ha.�seen any
changes inside for over two months. Nor has anyone here heard even a rumor of a new
tenant.
Additionally,Mr. Flores appears to be contemplating closing down his Minneapolis
operation and moving the whole thing onto this corner.
Presently, LaCucaracha closes its business at 10:00 or 11:00 each night. With a
liquor license,the business will stay open until at least 1:00 a.m. And perhaps even 3:00
a.m. serving food. And all of this with no obligation to provide pazking.
The situation,even as it is now,is barely tolerable. For the first time in twenry
yeazs, I am often unable to �nd parking on the street. It is impossible to have guests over,
particularly on a Friday evening. The parking pressure is phenomenal.
And now Mr.Flores wishes to increase that pressure without even meeting the
� minimal obligation of seven additional off-street pazking places.
s
,,. . ,
Mr. John Hardwick
29 July 1996
Page Two
It is simply not acceptable. r!
We urge you to deny the variance.
Since , y, � !�
� �,
a
.,
ooley y
President,M o _- "thurst Condominium Assn.
TD/dc
cc: Summit Hill Association,Mr.John Siekmeier
Council Member David Thune
Mr. Robert Flores
Mr.William Skally
, .
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� 2. HAZEL PARK HADEN-PROSPERITY HILLCREST
• 3. WEST SIDE
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. 14. MACALESTER GROVELAND
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17. DOWNTOWN � • •
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APPLICANT__�_ b<' � �I[1�Px5 LEGEND . .
PURPOSE �1 in� Cl('I(LY1C2— �� Zoning district boundary
n I � P� sub ed ro ert n� ohh''�
FILE t! `��o` �� 1 DATE�' I?-' q� 1 P P Y �_
� PLNG. DIST � ��� " � MAP # � ' o one lamity • • ^ commercial
� • �� . . .' , ; ¢ two lamily . � ...., industrial
SCALE 1" - 400'• ;_ � _ � � �-¢-Q multiple lamity V vacant
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CITY OF SAINT PAUL
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS RESOLUTION
ZONING FILE NUMBER: 96-171
DATE:August 26, 1996
WHEREAS,ROBERT FLORES has applied for a variance from the strict applicntion of the provisions of Section
62.103(�3&6 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code pertaining to off-street parking requirements in order to obtain a
liquor license in the B-2 zoning district at 36 DALE ST S;and
WHEREAS,the Saint Paul Board of Zoning Appeals conducted a public hearing on 08/12/96,pursuant to said appeal in
accordance with the requirements of Section 64.205 of the Legislative Code;and
VJI�REAS,the Saint Paul Board of Zoning Appeals based upon evidence presented at the public hearing,as
substantially reflected in the minutes,made the following findings of fact:
1. The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use under the strict pro��sions of the code.
As with most sites along Grand Ave.,this business does not have sufficient ofl`'-street parking to meet the cuirent
parking standards. The applicant states that in order to compete with the racent influx of chain reslaurants it is
necessary to provide cocktail service w7th strong liquor. Holding this restaurant to the strict provisions of the code
would unreasonably restrict it's ability to compete in today's market.
2. The plight of the land owner is due to circumstances unique to this property,and ihese circumstances were not
created by the land owner.
The lack of available off-street parl:ing and/or sites to develop for parl:ing along Grand Ave.is a circumstance that
was not created by the applicant.
3. The proposed variance is in keeping with the spirit and intent of the code,and is consistent with the health,safety,
comfort,morals and welfare of the inhabitants of the City of St.Paul. �
The City limits the number of liquor licenses available in each district of the city and a license recently became'
available in this district While the primary goal of the ordinance is to control the concentration of liquor
establishments in each district,it also has the effect of controlling,to some degree,the parl:ing problems in a district
since a liquor establishment requires more parking than retail or office uses. The applicant's desire to tal:e
advantage of an available license in order to keep his restaurant competitive is in keeping with the spirit and intent
of the code.
4. The proposed variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property,nor will it alter the
essential character of the surrounding area or unreasonably diminish established property values within the
surrounding area.
� The applicant states that he dces not intend to increase the seating in the restaurant if he obtains the liquor license
nor does he expect a siguficant increase in customers. He also states that he now owns the entire building and will
maintain a mixture of retail and office uses in the building that are compatible in terms of peak parking hours. If no
� additional restaurants are added to the building,and provided that La Cuaracha does not expand its seating,there
should be no adverse affect on the neighborhood through the granting of a liquor license.
File#96-171 ,
Page 3
CERTiFTCATTON: I,the undcrsigned Secrctary to the Board of Zoning Appeals tor the Clty of Saint Paul,
Mlnnesota,do hcreby certify that I have compared the toregoing copy with the original
record in my oPlice;and tind the same to be a true and correct copy otaaid original and
ot t6e h•hole thereot,ss based on approvcd m[nutes of the Saint Paul Board ot Zoning
Appeals mceting hcld on August 12,1996,and on record in t6e Oftice of License
Inspection and Environmental Protcction,350 S�Petcr Strect,Saint Paul,Minnesota
SAINT PAUL BOARD OF ZONIlVG APPEALS
�
Sue Synstegaard
Secretary to the Board
� � �I(� - (5�1�l �� � � �
--�b.
Summit Hill Association
� District 16 Planning Council
John HardwiCk 860 Saint Clair Avenue
Board of Zoning Appeals sa�nt Paui, Minnesota 55105
350 Saint Peter Street, Sl11te 300 Telephone 612-222-1222 -
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 . Fax s�2-222-�s5s
July 31, 1996
RE: Zoning File Number 96-171
Dear Mr. Hardwick and Members of the BZA,
� Tha Zoning and Land Use Commiitee�of the Summit Hili Association/District 16
Planning Council reviewed the request by Robert Flores for a variance of seven off-= �
street parking spaces in order to obtain a liquor license for La Cucaracha at 36 Dale = .
- Street South. �
�_ Mr. Flores was invited to attend the meeting, �but did not do so. Committee members
thoroughly discussed his request and what it might mean for the neighborhood. The :
, - committee determined that the addition of a liquor license will increase revenue for La
Cucaracha, but should not increase the number of customers. The committee made the
- following stipulations: �
• .� the shared parking lot with twelve spaces should be improved and should be clearly
available for customers - �- ` -
- • the bar area should not be increased
Based upon these conditions, The Zoning and Land Use Committee of the Summit Hill
Association/District 16 Planning Council recommends approval of the request for a :�.
variance of seven off-street parking spaces in order to obtain a liquor license for La .`.:
_ Cucaracha at 36 Dale Street South. -
Please understand that this recommendation in no way implies support for an increase
� in the�hours �f operation c�r fer.an expansion of the restaurant into any othar part of the
building at the corner of Grand and Dale. . �
. Sincerely, � - _ -
. �����- � � : .
� _ Dianna Krogstad, Chair - � �_'
- Zoning and Land Use Committee
Summit Hill Association..: ._ :: • .� : - . . _ ; - . .
. District 16 Planning�Council � _
cc: Robert Flores , -
August 15, 1996 -
�
To: Board of Zon' Appeals ��% -
From: James Wi '
Re: Variance ap rion of Robert Flores,File#96-171
I understand that Cucaracha has applied for a variance from the pazlcing requirement in order to
upgrade his wine and beer license without having to plan and provide for an increase in patronage
and the impact this will have on the neighborhood. I am a neighbor of this restaurant living at 614
Grand Avenue,Unit C.
Parking in our neighborhood is already problemadc,resulting in strangers often using my private
-off street parking space. In the evening it is now difficult to find a pazking space within a block of
my residence, and in the winter the situation sometimes becomes impossible. There is obviously a
reason why upgrading a liquor license requires that addidonal parking be available. No doubt it is
for neighborhoods like this that the requirement is so important. Seven additional parking spaces
seems a modest requirement. On behalf of our neighborhood,I should apply for a variance to
require La Cucaracha to provide an additional fifteen parking spaces if they are going to begin
serving Mazgaritas.
Two more points. First,in the early evening automobile traffic on Dale between Grand and
Summit can be problematic as some cars slowly cruise looking for pazking while others hurry to
make both lights. This situadon will only be made more difficult. Second, there are many dinner
hours when would-be patrons of La Cucaracha are lined up on the sidewalk,waiting to be seated.
It is apparent that this little restaurant cannot now handle its volume of business. Undoubtedly,if
they begin serving intoxicating liquor,their volume will increase. Customer service will further
decline and the neighbors will be further inconvenienced.
�� , f���
�
614 Grand Avenue
St Paul,MN 55102
August 2, 1996
Mr.John Hardwick
Office of LIEP
Suite 300
350 St.Peter Street
St Paul,MN 55102-1510
Dear Mr.Hardwick:
I understahd that Bob Flores has app(ied for a variance to allow him to obtain a liquor license without
- - adding the required seven additional parking spaces. T'his is of great eoncern�or me as a resident of the �
La Cucaracha neighborhood. The parking situation there is currently unacceptable and the neighborhood
cannot support any additional strain. It is currently extremely difficult to find parking on Friday and
Saturday evenings for the residents,but it is virtually impossible for us to entertain guests. We would have
to ask them to not only walk several blocks upon arriving,but also to walk those same several blocks alone
in the dark when they leave. Many of my acquaintances flat out refuse to take that chance.
I read the application for variance that Mr.Flores filled out and I cannot understand why it states that he
would have to increase his parking requirements from 27 to 34 spaces. How could this be possible since
La Cucaracha has NEVER had ONE SINGLE parking space to offer their customers? Do the spaces in
back of the restaurant that are plastered with `NO PARKING AT ANY TIME' signs qualify as available
parking?
I do not have a problem with La Cucaracha getting a liquor license as long as they are willing to`give'a
little to the neighborhood. Options that Mr.Flores could consider could be renting a parking lot-perhaps
from a nearby church-and providing valet pazking,or a WELL EXECUTED shuttle service(It would do
us no good if he provided a sloppy service which no one used),or removing the NO PARKING signs from
his current spaces and having his employees park elsewhere.
The neighborhood absolutely CANNOT support any more strain on the current parking situation. I am
also concerned with the unoccupied business space that Mr.Flores has recently purchased. I have every
reason to believe that La Cucaracha will quietly trickle into that space without any notification to the
neighborhood or requirement to add parking. I believe this because the restaurant has expanded several
times with no notification to us,and each time the pazking situation has gotten worse.
Please help us maintain what little amount of residential parking we have remaining. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Laura E..Michelson
e � � �
August 9, 1996
Board of Zoning Appeals
City of St. Paul - Off'ice of LIEP
Suite 300, 350 St. Peter Street
St. Paul, MN 55102=1510
Attention: John Hardwick
Subject: File No. 96-171
Dear Appeals Board:
As owner of a condominium unit at Grand and Dale who has lived there since 1971, I can attest
that a parking situation which was originally bad has become dreadful. Restaurants have been developed
or expanded within two blocks, none of them providing adequate off-street parking. Friends are
reluctant to come to my home and organizations to which I belong refuse to have meetings at my place
because parking is so difficult.
Mr. Flores at La Cucaracha expanded his seating several years ago while providing no additional
parking. Now he wants a liquor license with the very minimal parking requirements attached to that
licensing waived. This will make a bad situation worse. I am particularly perturbed that his request
covers the entire building at the Grand and Dale location (space previously occupied by Grandendale
Drug and Rosey's Coffee House). It seems to me that this is the camel's nose under the tent approach
to further expansion of the restaurant. If, as he claims, he has no intention of restaurant expansion,
there is no reason to request the liquor license for the entire space.
Mr. Flores seems to have been acting in bad faith and not as a good neighbor. We do not need
more restaurant space nor amenities, such as a liquor license, that may increase business in the present
space. The parking situation in the area will not support either. I am also concerned about the
consumption of more alcoholic beverages on my door step, resulting in louder patrons leaving the
restaurant noisily seeking their cars, many of them parked in front of my building, since there is no off-
street parking.
I understand fully that when one lives in an urban neighborhood, one has problems not attendant
to life in a bedroom suburb. I also believe there are benefits which is why I chose a St. Paul city
location. However, in this instance I believe that the drawbacks to the neighborhood and the residents
who chose to live there exceed what we should be expected to tolerate. While Mr. Flores gains, all the
rest of us lose.
Yours truly,
ik.�G�.� ��C2.,c���
Shirley Saildrs
62 So. Dale St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
� • �78i11i96 19:26 DAK.CO.SOC.SERUICES 602
°I(�- I 5�1�]
: . �'L .
To: 7,oning Adn�iiiistration
� Prom; Karen Pete,-,son
627 Grand Avenue#12
Sc. Paul, MN SS 10S
Re: Liquor licensa applieatio�of Robert rlores
36 Dale St. Sauth
St. Paul, MN 55�OS �
1]atos t�u�ust 11,�1996
I am �resident of the iiiunediat� axea in whtch Mr. Plores is a�eradr�� the restaur�ut, L�Cucaracha,
for whieh lx; has rzaade An applicacion for a liquor 1lcense, and parkfng varlanee of 7 spac:es. I have
sorious rescrvations about t��e wisdoni of grantiiig }�is r�c�ues�.
The arc:a al lbe �ntersection of orand a:�d Aale is a veiy busy area in whieh pa�rking is already very
dif�cult most uf txze tima I own a condom��aiuni and a parking spot in a sma111o�directly acro�s
froni Mr. Flares' rc:staurant and fr�c�ucnt.ly f�nd daat patxons of hfs restRUrant havo i11��ally ��trked in
my spot, At besc this is inconven�ieiat for uic. A� �i�iYC;� ugly wniiror��ations have developed. and .
twlce ln �he pust year I hxve felt threat�ned by hls customcrs. Yes, I know cl�ey axe his eustomers�s
I hAVe obscrvcd them enteri�ig aud exiting his restaura�nt at the times thc pinUlems have occurrcxi.
In July of 199G, after one such eunfro�ntativn, I contacted the restaurat�t aztQ spok� with the manager,
"�re�" regardi��g �ny concerns, and was tutally "binwn off" . His response was lo camplain to me
thdt�e hAS dif�culty with parking tov, and perhaps � should �.elp llim. When I requested that some
sort oP sign be posi;ed �n �hc restdurant tv notli�customers of paxk�ng restrictinns in the area, he
slatcd that it�aad Ueen done in th�past with no success, and i�e rellisecl lo atlempt to assist me iu
improving tlie sitaation iu any way. I f�lt his response deinonscrated a lack o�resp��t f�r me, nnd a
poor a4litud� luwarci th�welfare of the community #n whtch tiley ttre doing business.
In sun�►.n�aiy I can atily say thxt I have iiad sufficteny problems, aggrttvati�n and fear due to tlie
parking problc�aas iii tliis area alr�dy wilhoul addin�; hard liquor to this equatio�n. LaCucaracha and
it's managcment have xzot deuioi�str���el�vocl will or a concern for my welfar�or ttae welfare of thls
community of wl�ich I an� aware. i can auly fr.�;l p�ssimistic regardit�their responsc to any 1'bture
eozacerns which ma�arise f�oin tl�e gran�fn� v1'� liyu�z licen5e and parkin� varlanee. �
I request that you iiot grant tt�is reyuest fvr a parking variance and liquoz'�iCez�se.
�
�a
IAN TRAQUAIR BALL �� �
62 SOUTH DALE
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA S S IO2 _
August 5, 1996
Mr. John Hardwick
City of St. Paul
Board of Zoning �Appeals
350 St. Peter Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Re: Application of Robert Flores
File No. 06-171
Dear Mr. Hardwick:
I am writing in regard to the application of Robert Flores
for a variance from off-street parking requirements for a liquor
license at 36 South Dale, St. Paul . I am a condominium owner
and resident at 62 South Dale, Apartment F, and would be
severely affected if the variance is granted.
It is my understanding that the city zoning ordinance
requires an additional 7 off-street parking spaces for the
liquor license; Mr. Flores is requesting a variance from the
entire parking requirement. I urge the Board of Zoning Appeals
to deny the application, for the reasons stated below.
First, Mr. Flores has noted in his variance application
that the current zoning ordinance requires 27 off-street parking
spaces. Mr. Flores presently provides only 12 parking spaces
for the entire building located in the northeast corner of the
Grand and Dale intersection, and none of these spaces are re-
served for customer use. If you visit the site, you will notice
the signs warning customers not to park in those spaces. As a
result, customers of La Cucaracha must look for parking along
Grand, Lincoln, Oakland, and other streets, competing for
limited parking spaces with area residents in a neighborhood
that already suffers a parking shortage. This shortage results
in restaurant customers parking in alleys, our condominium
parking lot, and other off-street lots owned by other property
owners for their use. Allowing Mr. Flores to expand his liquor
license will increase his restaurant activity, resulting in more
customers, and will increase parking conflicts with the
neighborhood if Mr. Flores does not have to provide additional
off-street parking.
Second, although Mr. Flores has stated in his letter to
your office that he does not intend to increase the seating
/� ��
�l0 � ���
capacity of La Cucaracha restaurant, he has requested that the
variance be granted for all of 1.ots 11 and 12, block 4, Park
Terrace Addition. If this variance application is granted, Mr.
Flores will be able to expand his liquor service to the rest of
the building without having to satisfy any off-street parking
requirements, even though such expansion would have a
substantial negative effect on neighborhood parking. If Mr.
Flores means what he says, he should amend his application to
restrict the variance request to the floor space presently
occupied by La Cucaracha at 36 South Dale.
Third, Mr. Flores has not provided any evidence that
satisfies the requirements set out in Section 64.203(b) of the
city zoning ordinance for granting the variance. The property
is clearly being put to a reasonable use under the present
zoning restrictions; La Cucaracha is a profitable restaurant
with an overflow customer base. There are no circumstances
unique to this property that warrant the variance, and Mr.
Flores recently purchased the building with knowledge of the
zoning restrictions in place at the time. Granting the variance
will alter the surrounding property and unreasonably diminish
property values by increasing parking demand for limited parking
spaces. As your office knows, the threshold requirement for a
zoning variance is much stricter for a variance than a rezoning,
and Mr. Flores ' application makes no attempt to show that these
requirements have been satisfied. The intent of the off-street
parking requirement is to prevent parking congestion resulting
from increased business activity; Mr. Flores' variance request
is clearly contrary to that intent. Furthermore, it is obvious
that the primary reason for the variance request is to increase
La Cucaracha' s revenue from liquor sales. Section 64.203(b) (6)
specifically states that a variance cannot be granted when this
is the case.
Mr. Flores has made no effort to mitigate the impact of his
restaurant business on adjacent residential and business
properties. He has reserved all of his off-street parking
spaces for his employees and family members and has pushed his
customer parking requirements onto other neighborhood
properties. Granting the variance would aggravate an already
difficult parking situation. Our condominium association, like
other property owners in the vicinity, is tired of providing Mr.
Flores with off-street parking for La Cucaracha customers. 2 am
urging the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny the variance
application. Please include my letter in the hearing record on
August 12, 1996.
Sincerely,
�=](ir"..- ! , � `�� /C7Z"-��
Ian Traqua/ Ball
� �� � . ,
MR. LYNN G. LINDSAY
613 GOODRICH AVE.
ST. PAUL,MN 55102
August 8, 1996
John Hardwick
Board of Zoning Appeals
350 St. Peter Street, #300
St. Paul, MN 55102-1510 .
Re: File No. 96-171
Dear A�r. Ha:u�tiic�:
I have reservations about how a parking variance will impact adversely an already �
congested corner. I live two blocks South of Grand Avenue and Dale Street. I have beeri -
apprehensive about the corner since its former anchor tenant(Grand & Dale Pharmacy) : � ��
left the N.E. side of Grand. Four store fronts now stand empty where a pharmacy and,
separately, a coffee shop once stood. : ,
Dale Street is one of two major North-South traffic routes (in addition to
Lexington) which leads directly into the heart of Crocus Hill's residential neighborhood. : �
Already there is traffic and parking congestion. By day bus commuters park their cars
nearby in order to catch the #3 bus to and from downtown. Tenants at nearby rental units
have a hard time finding off-street parking.
Enter La Cucharacha which owns three empty and adjoining storefronts. The �
restaurant seeks a parking variance in order to secure a liquor license. I am concerned _
about the timing of the variance request. How can the restaurant seek a parking variance ��:�
for its own business before knowing the parking requirements of its future commercial
tenants and their respective patrons? .
T uriderstand fhat the corner requires a strong anchor tenant. And I know that La � � .�
Cucharacha is an attractive and successful establishment. Nonetheless, I urge the Board �• �
of Zoning Appeals to table this matter until the restaurant owner's intentions become �
clear regarding the connection between expanding his restaurant operations and sub- �
letting his empty commercial space/s. �
Thank you for considering my comments. �
Sincerely, .
4�
�"'";�"'�"°-��'faUG-09-'96 FR I 14:49 I D:HUD-h1PLSiST PAUL TE�, N0: C612)370-30�t6 ii01? P01
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August 9, 1996 �
� �oard of 2ozung Ap.peals ......__. .. . . .. _. . .. • ------
City of St. Paul - O�ICC Of i.TRD �-�RM OD(7-00)
FAX TRANSMITTAI� �Of�''
Suite�00, 3g0 Si. Peter Street To �,,,
Sc. Paul� MN 55102—1510 '�•v'� ,�,��',F'�c✓c �.S•S�a ic o�
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�.�� �y-s���
� �; .�,ttention: John Hazdw�,ck � �_
.. . F�s�G�r.'�09� �.
Subject: Pile No. 96-171
' I�car Appcals Hoard:
As owner of a condominium w�at at Grand and Da1c who has lived there sinc,e 197� I can attest
tliat a park�ip�g situation�which was origixtally bad has become dreadful. �tcstaurants)�ave been deveIoped
or�cpunded wichin two btocks, nome of them providit�adequate off-stxeet parking. Frien�ds ace
roluccaut to come to my home a�d organizat�ona to which I belong xe�'use to have meetings at n,y paac�
bocause�arldng is so difficult.
' Mr. P�ores at La Cucaracha eacp�ded his seatitxg Bevezal ycars ago w}ule providing no add�it�onal �
parking, Now l�e warzts a liquor licensa wxth the ve.ry�minimaI p�r�ting requa�at�ements ati�ehed to t,hat
licensing waived. This wlll make a bad s�tua.don worse. I am particular�,v perturbed that his xequest
covexa c�ae entire building at the Grand and bale locatioz�(space previously occugied by Qrandcndale
��S��osey's Coffcc�ouse). It seems to me Rhat this 9s the camel's nose under the tont appcoach
. to.�urther o�parJSlOtI Of chhe �'est3utant. If, as he claiums, he 1�as no intan.tion of restaurant capansion,
ther€ is ao r�ason to xequest the li�uor llcanso for We entire space.
Mx. Flores seems to have boen acting in bad falth and Aot as a good neighbor. We do not neod
moxe restaui'a�t apace nor anuen�i�ties, such as A liquor laconsa, chaz may incrcase busluaess in the prr,�enc
space. The pazking situadom 1�the area will nat suppon etther. I am also concsrned about tl�e
consumption of more atcoholic beverages an my door stap� resuiting�q loudcr patrons Ieaving ctie
restaucant noisily aae�;iwg their cars� manY of thom park,cd in fromt oP my building, eineo thece is no of�
. atreet�arking.
I understand flilly that when one lives in an urban neIghboihoad, o�ae has problems aaot auendant
to lifa i�u a bed�oam suburb. I also baliave Were ar�bene�ts wl�ich is why I cho8e a St. Paul city
tocadon. However. in this instaacc I belleve that tho drawbacac;s to tIu neaghborhood and the resiCents
who chose to liva there exceed what wo shouid be e,�pected to tolerate, Wbt�e Mr, Florc� ga�ns� a1Z�e
reat o�'us t4se.
Yours tru1Y�
.
. 's�cX-�"b
� Shirley Sail �ra
� b2 So. Dale St.
St. Patil, MN 55102
� . .
. , �
^ AL� 09 '96 09�12AM KEVIN HEPNWESSY� � � ' -� � P.i� .
� �� �
�I`_ • '.�.�.�
August 9, 1996
Re:Filc No. 96-171
Public Hcaring for August 12, 1996,3 PM
To Whom it may Concern,
I have rcceivcd notice of the Public Hearing for August 12-however,t will be u�blc to Attond. I
azn writing this latter to express my opinion and concem over granting a variaace to the off•street
parking requiremeat applie�for by Mr. Flores for a tiquor licence.
Wc moved into the hou.ae at 608 Grand two years ago-aa area wluch wa w�ell knew bordercd oa
the commercial district of Grand Avenue. At that timc,howcva,the commercial district in our
�•neighborhood"was La Cucaraca restaw�ant,Cirauudendale pha,macy aud Rosie's Coffee House.
The addition of a liquor licence obviously is being added to increase business,and obviously t�ot
the kind of business we,as a family of four t�ying to preserve what we have for a neighborhood,
wvutd like to see. Imagine if yvu live in the Highland arca and you found 4ut sorneone waats to
open a bar kim-cornor from your lwuse! To say the least,we ar�not in favor of the liqnor licence
to begin with.
Our main azgument asainst this variance might be that if these parking spa�s are rcquued by some
law(presumably to keep on-street parkiug op�n for say,peopie in tha noighborhood),thon why
�vould a varias�ce cver be aLlowed,especi�lly in an area sueh as ours whcre parking is bard to comc
by alrcady.
My az�►ment is simple,aud it is a property valu�e conarn to us as weil as a concern to our lifesryle
a.R a family. If tlu restaurant has the parking spaces then I assume there is no stoppiag them. if
che law is being`bvcriooked"for someone's business interest at tho expens�of ow resideatial
neighborhood,then we are going to object aad inevitably,make a bigger issue of this than just
write a letter of objeciiou.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hennessy
6U�Gtand Aveque
St.Paul,Minnesota 55102-26i0
Phone:(612)227-5183
email:BBW3MIM a�OL.COM
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'RAISAL CONSULTANTS - 1021 BANDANA BLVD - SUITE 229 - ST. PAUL, MN. 55108
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