The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutStaff Report 2404-2906 AmendedCITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, June 10, 2024 Council Chambers & Hybrid 4:00 PM Agenda Item 4.QUASI-JUDICIAL. 310 California Avenue [23PLN-00304]: Request for Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the Expansion of an Existing Commercial Recreation Use and Renovation of an Eating and Drinking Space. Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). Zoning District: CC(2)(R)(P). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Nishita Kandikuppa at nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org. Public Comment City Council Staff Report From: City Manager Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: June 10, 2024 Report #:2404-2906 TITLE QUASI-JUDICIAL. 310 California Avenue [23PLN-00304]: Request for Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the Expansion of an Existing Commercial Recreation Use and Renovation of an Eating and Drinking Space. Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). Zoning District: CC(2)(R)(P). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Nishita Kandikuppa at nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org. RECOMMENDATION Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission recommend that Council take the following action(s): 1. Approve the proposed project based on findings and subject to conditions of approval set forth in the Record of Land Use Action in Attachment B. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The applicant requests approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the expansion of an existing commercial recreation use at 310 California Avenue (Palo Alto Fit) into a portion of the adjacent tenant space at 320 California Avenue. The former café and gallery businesses at 320 California Avenue were in operation at the time of the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) hearing in April 2024 but have since vacated the tenant space. Proposed interior modifications, including demolition of a 774 square foot (sf) mezzanine at 310 California and addition of 1,150 sf to the mezzanine at 320 California, are reviewed separately from the CUP. The existing café space will be renovated and retained as a café use. In accordance with PAMC Section 18.16.040, a CUP is required for any new commercial recreation use or expansion of an existing recreational use on California Avenue. The process for evaluating a CUP is set forth in PAMC Section 18.76.010. Although CUPs are typically processed at a staff level with a decision by the Director of Development Services, in accordance with PAMC Section 18.40.170, the Director may defer the decision to Council and may seek input from the ARB or PTC prior to Council decision. Given the level of public interest in the proposed project, the Director sought input from the Planning and Transportation Commission and requests Council decide on this project in accordance with the code. BACKGROUND On November 9, 2023, applicants representing Palo Alto Fit applied for a CUP to allow for the expansion of an existing commercial recreation use on California Avenue and for associated renovations to accommodate a new gym and renovated cafe. The applicant intends to move their existing fitness studio, Palo Alto Fit located at 425 Portage Avenue to the new location in order to be closer to mass transit and for better parking options. Additional background information is provided in the PTC report for the proposed project.1 Project Description The CUP would allow for an expansion of an existing commercial recreation use at 310 California Avenue and implement tenant improvements at both 310 and 320 California Avenue to accommodate the proposed commercial recreation use and a new café, as detailed below. A location map is included in Attachment A and the project plans are provided in Attachment H. 310 California Avenue • Establish a new personal training studio, Palo Alto Fit, in place of the existing gym, Performance Gaines. • Demolish the existing 774 sf mezzanine to provide more training area with a vaulted ceiling. 320 California Avenue • Expand the first floor gym area into the former tenant spaces for Printer’s Café and Gallery House art gallery, to provide locker rooms and staff offices. • Expand the mezzanine by 1,150 sf to include staff offices. • Maintain the existing enclosed outdoor seating area but renovate the café space for a new tenant. Planning and Transportation Commission On April 10, 2024, the PTC conducted a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of the proposed project to Council. An additional condition of approval was added to preserve the two existing murals on this parcel, one at 320 California Avenue, and another on the façade of 310 California Avenue along Birch Street. The applicant has noted this on the plan set. During the hearing, several members of the public commented on the project. Those in favor of the new business claimed that a personal training facility will improve community health and 1 The April 10, 2024 Planning and Transportation Commission Report is available online at: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and- transportation-commission/2024/ptc-4.10-310-california-2.pdf well-being and promote women-owned businesses in Palo Alto. However, some others expressed their concern for long-standing businesses such as Printer’s Café leaving California Avenue and how that may affect the pedestrian appeal of the area. The PTC also raised questions about parking requirements on site. However, per Assembly Bill 2097, no parking is required on sites located within 0.5 miles of a major transit stop, such as the California Avenue Caltrain Station situated to the north of the subject property. Neighborhood Setting and Character The project site is located in the Evergreen Park neighborhood within 0.5 mile of the California Avenue Caltrain Station. The site is surrounded by retail and commercial uses on the north, south and east. The property abuts the Public Facilities (PF) district on the west with the Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley located across New Mayfield Lane. There are other fitness studios along this stretch of California Avenue, two of which are located diagonally across the street from the proposed location of Palo Alto Fit, and one at the intersection of California Avenue and El Camino Real to the south. ANALYSIS Staff has reviewed the proposed project and finds that the project is in conformance with applicable plans, policies, regulations, and the CUP findings. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans and Guidelines2 The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the project site is Regional/Community Commercial, which is defined as: “Larger shopping centers and districts that have a wider variety of goods and services than the neighborhood shopping areas. They rely on larger trade areas and include such uses as department stores, bookstores, furniture stores, toy stores, apparel shops, restaurants, theaters and nonretail services such as offices and banks. Examples include Stanford Shopping Center, Town and Country Village and University Avenue/Downtown. Non-retail uses such as medical and dental offices may also locate in this designation; software development may also locate Downtown. In some locations, residential and mixed-use projects may also locate in this category. Non-residential FARs range from 0.35 to 2.0. Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement of housing near transit centers, higher density multi-family housing may be allowed in specific locations.” On balance, the proposed project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, in that the new gym fosters “the establishment of businesses and commercial services in the California Avenue business district that serve the adjacent neighborhoods, as well as Stanford Research Park” consistent with Policy B-6.4. Moreover, the project will “maintain the existing scale, character and function of the California Avenue business district as a shopping, service and office center 2 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: bit.ly/PACompPlan2030 intermediate in function and scale between Downtown and the smaller neighborhood business areas” consistent with Policy L-4.10. The City of Palo Alto has restricted ‘Formula Retail’ use and created regulations for the California Avenue area that “encourage the retention or rehabilitation of smaller buildings to provide spaces for existing retail, particularly local, small businesses” per Program L4.10.2; Palo Alto Fit is a local, woman-owned business serving the residents of Palo Alto for the past decade. There is heightened public interest in the proposed project because it displaced existing retail businesses from the 320 California Avenue tenant space, namely Printer’s Café, Moods Wine Bar and Gallery House. This conflicts with Policy L-4.1 to “encourage the upgrading and revitalization of selected Centers in a manner that is compatible with the character of surrounding neighborhoods, without loss of retail and existing small, local businesses”. Policy B- 2.4 also seeks to “recognize that employers, businesses, and neighborhoods share many values and concerns, including traffic and parking and preserving Palo Alto’s livability and need to work together with a priority on neighborhood quality of life.” These businesses have already vacated the space and thus will not be affected by the outcome of the subject project application. Lastly, the new training studio may positively impact Palo Alto’s health and well-being in accordance with Policy L-1.6 which “encourage[s] land uses that address the needs of the community and manage change and development to benefit the community”. However, for those who have enjoyed eating and socializing at the café and seeing rotating art shows at gallery may find less benefit or value in another member-accessed gym on California Avenue. Zoning Compliance3 Attachment C includes a detailed review of the proposed project’s consistency with applicable zoning standards. As shown in the Attachment, the proposed uses and renovation comply with the City’s Zoning Code. Multi-Modal Access & Parking Assembly Bill 2097 prohibits public agencies from enforcing minimum automobile parking requirements for developments located within 0.5 miles of a major transit stop, such as the California Avenue Caltrain Station. However, the subject site did pay into the former California Avenue Parking District equivalent to 47 parking spaces. Convenient public parking spaces are also located near the project site in the form of on-street spaces and public parking lots and three parking garages located within walking distance: 309 Cambridge Avenue, 451 Cambridge Avenue, and 350 Sherman Avenue. Four existing bicycle parking spaces are available in the public right-of-way adjacent to the subject property. 3 The Palo Alto Zoning Code is available online: www.bit.ly/PAZoningCode Consistency with Application Findings The findings for approval of a CUP are set forth in PAMC Section 18.76.010. Draft findings for approval of the proposed project are included in the Draft Record of Land Use Action in Attachment B. The proposed uses are permitted as per the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare, or convenience. The project does not include significant exterior work and will therefore not be detrimental towards the property or have a negative impact on the public’s health and safety. The project will displace existing retail businesses, but the proposed gym and café will provide another opportunity for some in the community to have expanded access to commercial recreation uses. While the subject application highlights a tension related to the evolution of land uses at the subject property, the CUP findings do not include consideration of any value based judgement that would influence the outcome of this application in favor of either the existing or proposed land uses. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT The recommendation in this report has no significant budget or fiscal impacts. The proposed project is a private development that is subject to cost recovery; therefore, processing of this application does not directly impact City resources. The existing café will be replaced with another café, leading to minimal loss of revenue for the city. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Daily Post on May 30, 2024, which is 11 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred on May 27, 2024, which is 14 days in advance of the meeting. Public Comments The City has received significant input from the public with respect to the project scope. As of the writing of this report, 70 individuals provided comments. The public comments can be found in Attachment D. The business owner of Printer’s Café and the new property owner also reached out to the City on several occasions. The correspondence can be found in Attachment F. The topics discussed by the public during the PTC hearing were substantially similar to the emails documented in Attachment D. The concerns were primarily related to the closure of three beloved businesses in the Palo Alto community, namely Printer’s Café, Moods Wine Bar and Gallery House. Most communication received from the public are from patrons of Printer’s Café and Moods Wine who have utilized the cafe space for social and professional gatherings, community meetings, and leisure for over 40 years. In addition to the loss of family-owned business, many expressed concerns about the pedestrian appeal and walkability of California Avenue, noting their preference for a café space that is more inviting to all, as opposed to a members-only gym. Correspondence with Applicant, Owner and Business Owner(s) The new property owner’s (Palo Alto Fit) legal counsel was in communication with the City to provide lease documentation for Printer’s Café, the business for which a majority of the public commentary was received. This letter can be found in Attachment E. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The subject project has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. In accordance with Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), the project is exempt as the proposed activity will involve negligible or no expansion of the existing use. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Location Map Attachment B: Draft Record of Land Use Action Attachment C: Zoning Comparison Table Attachment D: Public Comments Attachment E: Legal Counsel Correspondence Attachment F: Property Owner Correspondence Attachment G: Applicant’s Project Description Attachment H: Project Plans APPROVED BY: Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director 440 414 406-410 405-409 403- 409 384 2290 366 350 320 310 23132307 2363 299 2435 2439 249 2453 0 365369 2437 334 417 2441 2333 2425 251 420 2435 392 360 364 15 2438415 42 321 361 2415 399 381- 395 341- 347366- 370 355 375 340344350 330 382 380 378 2350 230 240 290 260 265 23432323 261 2431 370 391 350 413 2473 367 300 250 298 324 263 267 SHERMAN AVENUE JACARANDA LANE ASH STREET NE W MAYFIELD LAN E CAL IFORNIA AVE NUE ENUE MIMOSA LANE BIRCH STREET N BIRCH STREET CAL PF(R) CC(2)(R) PF(R) R) PC-4127 PF(R)CC(2) (R)(P) 2)(R) CC(2)(R) Lot C-7 Lot C-9 Lot C-2 Lot C-3 Parking Garage Lot C-4 Parking This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Zone Districts abc Zone District Labels Project Site 0'93' 310-320 California Avenue Conditional Use Permit 23PLN-00304 CITYOF PALOALTOINCORPORATED CALI FORNIA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f APRIL 1 6 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Alto nkandik, 2024-02-13 17:13:48 (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) Attachment A Page 1 of 9 4 4 8 9 APPROVAL NO. 2024-____ RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE APPROVAL FOR 310 CALIFORNIA AVENUE: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (23PLN-00304) At its meeting on June 10, 2024, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City Council”) approved the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to allow for the expansion of an existing commercial recreation use. In approving the application, the Council make the following findings, determinations, and declarations: SECTION 1. Background. A. On November 9. 2023, Ko Architects, on behalf of Nina Nguyen and Mirco Hirst, filed an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the expansion of an existing commercial recreation use at 310 California Avenue (Palo Alto Fit) into a portion of the adjacent tenant space at 320 California Avenue and for a 1,150 square foot (sf) addition within the existing building envelope (“The Project”). B. In accordance with 18.16.040, a CUP is required for any new commercial recreation use or expansion of an existing recreational use on California Avenue. C. In accordance with PAMC Section 18.40.170, given the level of public interest in the project, the Director sought input from the Planning and Transportation Commission and has referred the Director’s decision on the proposed project to Council. D.Following staff review, On April 10, 2024, the Planning and Transportation Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, at which evidence was presented and all persons were afforded an opportunity to be heard. The Commission recommended approval of the proposed project to City Council. E.On June 10, 2024, Council held a duly noticed public hearing, at which evidence was presented and all person were afforded the opportunity to be heard in accordance with the City Council’s policies and procedures. SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The City, acting as the lead agency for the project, has determined that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), which provides exemptions for existing facilities. Page 2 of 9 4 4 8 9 SECTION 3. Conditional Use Permit Findings 1.The proposed use, at the proposed location, will not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare, or convenience, in that: The project includes modifications within the envelope of an existing building to modify tenant spaces in order to allow for an increase in the total size of the existing commercial recreational use while replacing a portion of the existing retail and eating and drinking uses. Overall, the project results in negligible expansion of the retail-like uses on the site, adding a small additional area to the existing second floor for to accommodate back-of-house uses ancillary to the commercial recreation use. The project does not include any exterior work. Therefore, the project would not be detrimental towards the property or have a negative impact on the public’s health and safety. The project will displace existing businesses, but the proposed gym and remaining café area will improve community health and well-being. 2. The proposed use will be located and conducted in a manner in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and the purposes of this title in that: The proposed commercial recreational use is a conditionally permitted use on California Avenue. The project does not modify the existing building on its exterior and is consistent with all relevant development standards set forth in the zoning code for the Community Commercial zoning district and retail and pedestrian combining districts. The proposed use is allowed within the Regional/Community Commercial land use designation. This record of land use action approves the conditional use permit and includes conditions to ensure that the project will be conducted in a manner consistent with the code. SECTION 4. Conditional Use Permit Granted. The proposed project, as conditioned, complies with the findings for a Conditional Use Permit as required in Chapter 18.76.010 of the PAMC. The project is subject to the conditions of approval in Section 5 of this Record. SECTION 5. Conditions of Approval. Planning Division 1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS: The use shall be conducted in substantial conformance with the project description letter submitted on March 22, 2024, and plans submitted on March 18, 2024, on file with the City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services Division, except as modified by these conditions of approval. 2. BUILDING PERMIT: A copy of this approval letter shall be printed on any drawings submitted for building permit related to this use. Page 3 of 9 4 4 8 9 3. BUILDING PERMIT PLAN SET: A copy of this cover letter and conditions of approval shall be printed on the second page of the plans submitted for building permit. Project plans submitted for Building permits shall incorporate the following changes: a. The building permit plan set shall change all references of “offices” to “staff offices”. 4. USE AND OCCUPANCY PERMIT: A valid Use and Occupancy permit is required. 5. HOURS OF OPERATION: The use is allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. per the applicant Project Request Letter. All clean up or set up activities shall be conducted within these approved business hours. 6. PARKING: The tenant shall manage the use such that the parking demand of the use does not exceed the parking spaces allocated to the property through the Parking Assessment District and consistent with the project description. 7. LITTERING: The operator shall keep the subject property free of litter associated with the business operation. 8. INTENSIFICATION OF USE: Any intensification of use shall require an amendment to the conditional use permit and any other entitlements as specified in the Palo Alto Municipal Code. 9. NOISE: Noise levels emanating from the business shall not exceed the maximum level established in the PAMC Chapter 9.10, which is no more than eight (8) decibels above ambient. 10. REVOCATION OF MODIFICATION OF APPROVAL: The Director of Planning and Development Services may issue a notice of noncompliance for any failure to comply with any condition of this permit approval, or when a use is being conducted in a manner detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. The Director shall give notice to the permittee of intention to revoke such permit at least ten (10) days prior to a hearing thereon. Following such hearing and if good cause exists, the Director may revoke the Use Permit. 11. FINAL INSPECTION. A Planning Division Final inspection will be required to determine substantial compliance with the approved plans prior to the scheduling of a Building Division final. Any revisions during the building process must be approved by Planning, including but not limited to; materials, landscaping, and hard surface locations. Contact your Project Planner, Nishita Kandikuppa at nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org to schedule this inspection. 12. INDEMNITY. To the extent permitted by law, the Applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the applicant to attack, set aside or void, any permit or approval authorized hereby for the Project, including (without limitation) reimbursing the City for its actual attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. The City may, in its sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its own choice. Page 4 of 9 4 4 8 9 Public Works Division 13. The contractor shall coordinate items in logistics plan with all nearby construction projects Please note California Ave is closed to outdoor dining so logistics shall take this into account with proposal. 14. PUBLIC WORKS STANDARD CONDITIONS SHEET: The Department of Public Work s full-sized "Standard Conditions" sheet shall be included in the improvement plans and the applicant shall comply with all conditions listed in the sheet. The sheet can be obtained from a staff member of Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link under Public Works Plan Review Documents: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering- Services/Forms-and-Permits. 15. STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION SHEET: The City's full-sized "Pollution Prevention - It's Part of the Plan" sheet shall be included in the improvement plans. The sheet can be obtained from a staff member of Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link under Public Works Plan Review Documents: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public- Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and-Permits. 16. DEMOLITION PLAN: The following note shall be placed adjacent to all affected trees on the Demolition Plan: Excavation and trenching is restricted within the Tree Protection Zone (refer to T-1 Tree Protection Sheet) or as approved by the Urban Forestry Division at 650-496-5953. Any changes shall be approved by the same. 17. CONSTRUCTION STAGING: All improvement plans shall include the following note on the Site Plan and the Grading & Drainage Plan. All construction materials and equipment shall be staged, stored, and stockpiled onsite and not on any public street. 18. LOGISTICS PLAN: The contractor may be required to submit a logistics plan to the Public Works Department prior to commencing work that addresses all impacts to the City s right-of-way, including, but not limited to: pedestrian control, traffic control, truck routes, material deliveries, contractor s parking, concrete pours, crane lifts, work hours, noise control, dust control, storm water pollution prevention, contractor s contact, noticing of affected businesses, and schedule of work: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/3/public-works/engineering- services/webpages/forms-and-permits/logistics-plan-preparation-guidelines-2021.pdf. Zero Waste Division 19. Per Palo Alto Municipal Code 5.20.108 the site is required to have color-coded refuse containers, related color-coded millwork, and colored signage. The three refuse containers shall include recycle (blue container), compost (green container), and garbage (black container). Page 5 of 9 4 4 8 9 Applicant shall present on the plan the locations and quantity of both (any) internal and external refuse containers, its millwork, along with the signage. This requirement applies to any external or internal refuse containers located in common areas such as entrances, conference rooms, back of the house kitchen, café, dining area, and etc. except for restrooms, copy area, and mothers room. Millwork to store the color-coded refuse containers must have a minimum of four inches in height worth of color-coding, wrapping around the full width of the millwork. 20. Signage must be color coded with photos or illustrations of commonly discarded items. 21. If paper cups are used there shall be a green compost container and proper signage for the collection of paper cups. 22. Restrooms must have a green compost container for paper towels and an optional black landfill container if applicable. Copy area must have either a recycle bin only or all three refuse receptacles (green compost, blue recycle, and black landfill container). SECTION 7. Term of Approval. 1.Conditional Use Permit. The project approval shall be valid for a period of one year from the original date of approval. In the event the use does not commence within the time limit specified above, the approval shall expire and be of no further force or effect. Additionally, A Use Permit that has not been used for a period of one (1) year or more shall become null and void (PAMC 18.77.100). INTRODUCED: PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: APPROVED: _________________________ ____________________________ City Clerk Mayor Page 6 of 9 4 4 8 9 APPROVED AS TO FORM: ___________________________ ___________________________ Assistant City Attorney Mayor _____________________________ Director of Planning and Development Services PLANS AND DRAWINGS REFERENCED: Those plans prepared by Laura Roberts titled “310-320 California Avenue; Conditional Use Permit; Palo Alto Fit and Café”, consisting of thirteen (13) pages, dated January 23, 2024, and revised March 18, 2024. A copy of these plans is on file with the Department of Planning and Development Services. ATTACHMENT C ZONING COMPARISON TABLE 310 California Avenue, 23PLN-00304 Table 1: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.16 (CC(2) DISTRICT) Exclusively Non-residential Development Standards Regulation Required Existing Proposed Minimum Site Area, width and depth No Requirement 12,000 sf 12,000 sf Minimum Front Yard (Park Boulevard) 0-10 feet to create an 8-12 foot effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8) 12 ft 12 ft Rear Yard No Requirement 4 ft 4 ft Street Side Yard No Requirement 2 inches 2 inches Interior Side Yard No Requirement 6 ft 2 inches 6 ft 2 inches Min. yard for lot lines abutting or opposite residential districts or residential PC districts 10 feet (2) N/A N/A Build-to-lines No Requirement N/A N/A Max. Site Coverage No Requirement 10,800 sf 10,800 sf Max. Building Height 37 feet (4) 2 stories, 25 ft 2 stories, 25 ft Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 2.0:1 (24,000 sf) 12,544 sf 13,694 sf Daylight Plane for lot lines abutting one or more residential zone districts other than an RM-40 or PC Zone None (6) N/A N/A (1) No parking or loading space, whether required or optional, shall be located in the first 10 feet adjoining the street property line of any required yard. (2) Any minimum front, street side, or interior yard shall be planted and maintained as a landscaped screen excluding areas required for access to the site. A solid wall or fence between 5 and 8 feet in height shall be constructed along any common interior lot line.. (4) As measured to the peak of the roof or the top of a parapet; penthouses and equipment enclosures may exceed this height limit by a maximum of five feet, but shall be limited to an area equal to no more than ten percent of the site area and shall not intrude into the daylight plane. (6) The initial height and slope shall be identical to those of the most restrictive residential zone abutting the site line in question. (7) 25 foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage, build-to requirement does not apply to CC district. (8) A 12 foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage Table 1: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.16 (CC(2) DISTRICT) continued Exclusively Non-residential Development Standards Topic Requirement Proposed Hours of Operation (18.16.040 (b)) Businesses with activities any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit. The director may apply 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, aligning with community work hours conditions of approval as are deemed necessary to assure compatibility with the nearby residentially zoned property Outdoor Sales and Storage (18.16.040 (h)) N/A N/A Recycling Storage (18.16.040 (i)) N/A N/A Employee Showers (18.16.040 (j)) N/A N/A Office Use Restrictions (18.16.050) Total floor area of permitted office uses on a lot shall not exceed 25% of the lot area, provided a lot is permitted between 2,500 and 5,000 sf of office use. The maximum size may be increased with a CUP issued by the Director. None Table 2: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.52 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) for Office Type Required Existing Proposed Vehicle Parking Total = 77 spaces Commercial Recreation 1 space for each 4 person capacity, or as adjusted by the Director, not to exceed 30% reduction = 47 required Eating and Drinking 1 space for each 60 sf of public service area, plus 1 space for each 200 sf for all other areas = 30 required No parking provided on site. Subject site paid into former California Avenue Parking District equivalent to 47 parking spaces. No parking provided on site. No additional parking is required under AB 2097. Subject site paid into former California Avenue Parking District equivalent to 47 parking spaces. Bicycle Parking Total = 15 spaces Commercial Recreation 1 space per 16-person capacity, or as adjusted by the Director = 12 required Eating and Drinking 1 per 600 sf of public service area, plus 1 per 2,000 sf for other areas = 2.82 spaces Four short term bike spaces provided in the public right-of-way. Four short term bike spaces provided in the public right-of-way. Loading Space Commercial Recreation No Requirement Eating and Drinking 0-4,999 sf = 0 None None From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Project at 310 California Ave File number: 23PLN-00304 Date:Tuesday, November 28, 2023 2:03:54 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Nishita, I am writing to express my support for the continued use by Printers Cafe and Moods Wine Cafe with regard to the proposed project at 310 California Ave. (File Number: 23PLN-00304). My friends at I are regular patrons of this establishment and do not want to see this proposed Conditional Use Permit request impact this business. Thank you for your consideration. Jack L. Koepfgen Sent from my iPad Attachment D From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printers Cafe Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 9:12:48 AM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear Ms. Kandikuppa, This is to let you know how important Printers Cafe on California Street in Palo Alto is something of an institution for the whole neighborhood. The thought of it be closed down is quite disturbing when you consider how long and how many of us have used it as both a personal refuge and as a professional meeting place. No other restaurant on California Street can match the personal relationships we have built up over the years. I urge you to reconsider your plan to shut it down. Sincerely, Helen Purcell From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Re: 310 California Ave. Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 12:57:21 PM [You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Hi Nishita, Thank you for the information. It is always interesting to hear the other side of the story. Terry Shuchat > On Dec 5, 2023, at 9:03 AM, Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: > > Hi Terry, > > I hope this finds you well - we spoke on the phone last week regarding Printer's Café. > > I reached out to the applicant to confirm whether Printer's Café would continue to rent the 320 California Avenue space. Please see the applicant's response below: > > "Printers Cafe voluntarily shortened its lease earlier this year. The lease was originally scheduled to terminate on October 31, 2025. The parties mutually agreed to reduced rent during the Covid pandemic and for a period of time afterward, but when the original rent was to be reinstated, Printers Cafe indicated a preference to shorten the lease term in exchange for a reduced rent for that shortened term. The new lease termination date, as requested by Printers Cafe, is April 6, 2024." > > Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns - I'd be happy to pass them on to the applicant! > > Best, > > Nishita Kandikuppa > Associate Planner > Planning and Development Services Department > (650) 838-2806 | nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org > www.cityofpaloalto.org > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Terry Shuchat > Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 2:28 PM > To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org> > Subject: 310 California Ave. > > [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] > > CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. > ________________________________ > > Hi, > > I am writing regarding the CUP request for 310 California Ave. > > It is important that Printers Cafe and Moods Wine Bar remain at their present address. Please make sure that therequestor of the CUP understands that they are to be included in the project. Too many applicants have applied forpermits and when the project is completed not all requirements have been met.>> Thank you for your understanding.>> Terry Shuchat> provided, however, that the Director may seek a recommendation from the ArchitecturalReview Board or Planning and Transportation Commission prior to action by the City Council. (a) In the case of projects having multiple entitlements, where one requires City Council approval, all entitlements may be referred to City Council for final action; (b) Projects involving leases or agreements for the use of City-owned property; and (c) Projects requiring a statement of overriding considerations, pursuant toSection 18.31.010; and (d) Projects, as deemed appropriate by the director. I also want to share the City’s CUP Findings that City Council will base their decision on: PAMC Section 18.76.010 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) (c) Findings Neither the director, nor the city council on appeal, shall grant a conditional use permit,unless it is found that the granting of the application will: (1) Not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity, and willnot be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare, or convenience; (2) Be located and conducted in a manner in accord with the Palo Alto ComprehensivePlan and the purposes of this title (Zoning). I will reach out with more updates soon. Please let me know if you have any questions! Best, Nishita Nishita Kandikuppa Associate Planner Planning and Development Services Department From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printer’s Inc. café Date:Friday, March 15, 2024 5:46:51 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To whom it may concern, We do love Printer’s Inc. on California and would hate to see it replaced by yet another gym that could just as well be located off to the side, one block to the north or south from the “main strip”. It is sad enough that the gallery had to close. We need to maintain community spaces including daytime cafés and restaurants to make sure California Avenue remains an attractive destination. We know that our friends feel the same, which is why we ask you to make sure Printer’s Inc. can stay. Sincerely, Friederike Bülow From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printer’s Inc Date:Saturday, March 16, 2024 1:31:18 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ I’m so sad to lose printers Inc. Please do what you can to save it. We don’t need another gym. It only allows the people who are members to go in. Printers Inc. is open to all and is a gem in our community! ________________ Janet L. Dafoe, PhD "Let us put our minds together and see what world we can make for our children."---Sitting Bull. From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printer’s Cafe Date:Wednesday, March 13, 2024 4:26:54 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear Ms. kandikuppa, Please preserve Printer’s Cafe. It is a much needed gathering place with a long Palo Alto history. Our community needs it more than a bigger gym. Thank you. Elizabeth Lee, LMFT From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printer Cafe Date:Wednesday, March 13, 2024 1:43:20 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hello, We live in old Palo Alto and have been a patron of Printers Cafe for a long time. The printer cafe is an asset to the community and a safe gathering place for the residents of this area and visitors. Pal Alto city government needs to do more to preserve such assets that enhance the character of the city. Regards, Yousef Vazir From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Please save Printers Inc. Cafe Date:Saturday, March 16, 2024 4:45:48 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Greetings, I hope you’ll consider allowing Printer’s Inc. Cafe to continue its long history rather than approving a gym with a larger footprint. Thanks for your consideration. Sheila Gholson From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Please keep Printers Inc Cafe open Date:Wednesday, March 13, 2024 7:37:12 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear City of Palo Alto, I’m a homeowner in the Ventura neighborhood writing to urge you not to approve expansion of the gym on California Avenue that would force Printers Inc Cafe to close. We have so many gyms in the area but few cafes. Printers Inc has been serving the community for many years and is a wonderful gathering place that serves multiple generations. Thank you, Elaine Johnson From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Closure of Printers Cafe Date:Tuesday, March 12, 2024 5:43:03 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hello, I just heard that Printers Cafe might be about to close. Printers Cafe is one of the few nice coffee shops on California Ave. It is such a lovely spot to visit and meet people. I hope the Planning and Transportation Committee will vote to keep the cafe as opposed to a larger gym. Thank you for your consideration, Jeanette Schmidt (Palo Alto resident) Sent from my iPhone From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:closing of Printer"s Ink Cafe Date:Friday, March 15, 2024 3:30:58 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hi Nishita, This note is in support of continuing the lease of Printer’s Ink Cafe. A group of us has been gathering there on Saturday and Sunday mornings for years. The owner, Al, and his staff have done a wonderful job: they’re welcoming, responsive to requests, etc. I believe that Printer’s Ink closing would be a loss to the Palo Alto and Stanford community. And, frankly, California Av does not need another gym! There are already several fitness centers there. Sincerely, Maria Koretz Palo Alto resident From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Don"t put a large gym on California Avenue....this business doesn"t belong on a street filled with shops & restaurants Date:Wednesday, March 13, 2024 10:14:29 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To City of Palo Alto Planning staff: I learned from Nextdoor that the landlord plan to tear down the building currently housing the Printer’s Ink Cafe and transform that corner space into a gym. I totally see no value in parking a “gym” right on California Avenue in such a prominent space. People can go to the YMCA or to another location where there’s a 24 hr. open gym. California Ave should be more of a charming shopping street offering a bakery, a bookstore, a toy store, a cookware store, a cheese shop, an Italian Deli, a meat and fish market, an ice cream store, a framing store, a lamp store, a fabric store, augmenting the diversified restaurants presently on California Ave. Having a large gym on California Ave. totally changes the character of the street. You wouldn’t think of locating a gym on University Ave. so why would you consider putting a gym on California Ave? Seems like California Ave is relegated to a second class shopping district where anything goes and nobody cares if putting certain business there doesn’t make sense at all. I am totally against putting a large gym so prominently on the corner, along a street mainly for shops. A long time Palo Alto resident, Mamie From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Conditional Use Permit Application 23PLN-00304 for the expansion of the facility at 310California Avenue Date:Tuesday, November 28, 2023 2:40:20 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ We have been going to Printer's Inc. Cafe for the last 15 years as part of a group of friends meeting there. We live in Menlo Park and probably would never have gone to California Avenue except for the warm welcome we have felt there from the owner and workers at the cafe. Coming there has introduced us to other restaurants and stores in the area, which we probably would not have visited on a regular basis. We urge you to protect this business which helps to keep California Avenue as a thriving business community. Brooke & Carolyn Taylor From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:310 California Ave/ 23PLN-00304 Date:Wednesday, November 29, 2023 2:12:12 PM [You don't often get email from j Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hi Nishita, My name is Jim Bitler and I am the property manager at 290 California Ave. In regards to 23PLN-00304, I would encourage the City to keep the current tenant(s), Printer’s Cafe and Moods Wine Cafe, in mind and plan for a viable space for the tenant(s) to operate and thrive. They have been both an advocate for the success of California Ave as well as the overall fabric of the local community for many years. Their consideration should be acknowledged in this process. Thank you, Jim Bitler From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Please don"t close the Printer"s Cafe Date:Tuesday, March 12, 2024 9:33:12 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ It’s a landmark on Cal Ave and we don’t need a bigger gym there. It’s a shame the art gallery closed but the cafe is really important to me as a Palo Alto resident. Thank you, Phyllis Klein From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Re: Printer"s Cafe Date:Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:12:55 AM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Thanks, Nishita. I know Al really appreciates your help and support. Annette On 3/19/24 10:57 AM, Kandikuppa, Nishita wrote: > Hi Annette, > > Thank you for your email, and for showing your support. > > As this project has been pushed to Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and City Council review, you are invited to attend the hearing and voice your concerns. The PTC hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 10, 2024, at 6 PM. The goal of this meeting is for the PTC to hear from residents and provide initial comments and recommendations to City Council. > > During this time, you will have the opportunity to present your comments (up to 3 minutes per speaker). This could be reduced to a lesser time if there are a significant number of commentors, subject to a decision by the Chair of the PTC. Please know that all comment letters/emails received prior to the hearing date will be attached to the staff report for the PTC’s review (such as this email). > > The agenda and staff report will be published approximately one week prior to the meeting, here: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Planning-and-Transportation- Commission-PTC/Current-PTC-Agendas-Minutes. > > Please let me know if you have any questions! > > Best, > > Nishita Kandikuppa > Associate Planner > Planning and Development Services Department > (650) 838-2806 | nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org > www.cityofpaloalto.org > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Annette Isaacson > Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 6:00 PM > To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> > Subject: Printer's Cafe > > [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] > > CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. > ________________________________ > > Dear Nishita and Pat Burt,>> I was saddened to read that Al at Printer's Cafe isn't able to renew his lease. After Printers' Inc closed and Alopened Printer's Cafe, it has been an important business on California Avenue, a great place to stop for coffee withfriends or grab a sandwich for lunch.>> It's a shame that Al managed to survive the pandemic and now can't continue to serve the community because thenew owner of the building has other plans. I'm sorry for Al and his long time employees.>> I know Al is grateful for your support.>> Sincerely,>> Annette Isaacson>> > Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2024 10:09 AM > To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org> > Cc: Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org>> Subject: Proposed alteration of use for Printers Inc cafe/gallery space>> [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important athttps://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] >> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links.> ________________________________>> Dear Ms Kandikuppa,>> I gather the owners of the gym on the corner of Birch St and California Ave are refusing to renew the lease of thePrinters cafe next door with the intention of expanding the gym into that space. Can you please pass on my requestto the Planning and Transportation Committee that when they consider this expansion proposal they weigh thepublic value that Printers has provided for many years and the degree to which it contributes to the vibrancy andsuccess of the California Ave retail district.>> Shutting that space off to public use, in contrast, would stymie the City’s laudable efforts to make CaliforniaAvenue a successful pedestrian destination. It looks like the Calave winebar has already closed, as has Starbucks,and Antonio’s is years from reopening. The closure of Printers will only further erode the availability of attractiveplaces for people to meet in that location.>> If the city is serious about creating a successful retail district, as well as supporting the kinds of socially andcivically beneficial interactions that cafes enable, I hope that it will see the sense of making planning decisions thatare consistent with that intention.>> Sincerely and with thanks for your consideration,>> Simon Firth> From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Re: Printers Cafe Date:Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:35:50 AM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Thank you for your responsiveness, Nishita. > On Mar 19, 2024, at 10:56 AM, Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: > > Hi Ron, > > Thank you for your email, and for sharing your thoughts. > > As this project has been pushed to Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and City Council review, you are invited to attend the hearing and voice your concerns. The PTC hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 10, 2024, at 6 PM. The goal of this meeting is for the PTC to hear from residents and provide initial comments and recommendations to City Council. > > During this time, you will have the opportunity to present your comments (up to 3 minutes per speaker). This could be reduced to a lesser time if there are a significant number of commentors, subject to a decision by the Chair of the PTC. Please know that all comment letters/emails received prior to the hearing date will be attached to the staff report for the PTC's review (such as this email). > > The agenda and staff report will be published approximately one week prior to the meeting, here: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Planning-and-Transportation- Commission-PTC/Current-PTC-Agendas-Minutes. > > Please let me know if you have any questions! > > Best, > > Nishita Kandikuppa > Associate Planner > Planning and Development Services Department > (650) 838-2806 | nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org > www.cityofpaloalto.org > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Ron Katz > Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:44 PM > To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org> > Subject: Printers Cafe > > [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] > > CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. > ________________________________ > > If Printers Cafe is replaced by a gym, the city government will have become a parody of itself. > > Ron Katz> From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Re: Opposing the proposal for a gym replacing Printer"s Cafe and Art Gallery Date:Wednesday, March 13, 2024 10:17:04 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ I am writing in support of Printers Cafe and Gallery House on California Avenue. As a 47-year resident of Palo Alto, I’ve enjoyed this space as a cafe and art gallery for many years. Once it was a book store and then a stationery and gift store. Printers Cafe and the Gallery House are unique tenants. They provide a place that attracts foot traffic and brings neighbors and workers together to enjoy time with friends as well as a space for local artists to display and sell art. In particular, the art gallery is unique to South Palo Alto. Gyms, which are already plentiful in the California Avenue area, do not bring foot traffic in the same way, nor do they contribute local character and culture to an area that needs it. Existing retail establishments on California Avenue probably will not benefit from having another gym in the neighborhood. I hope the City Council will decide to support the continued use of this space as it is at present. Thank you, Kate Feinstein From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printers Cafe Date:Monday, March 18, 2024 12:49:13 PM [You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ I'm concerned about the potential closing of Printers Cafe. This is a valued California Avenue business which attracts people to the street and encourages walk-in customers. Even if I do not stop by for coffee, a sandwich, or wine, Printers Cafe adds to the ambiance of California Avenue, at a time when the street is in sore need of improvement. Expansion of the neighboring gym will decrease this. The gym is not inviting and does not encourage walk-in traffic. Closing Printers Cafe and expanding the gym will essentially create one more closed door on California Avenue. -- Michael Eager From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printers Cafe Date:Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:43:51 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ If Printers Cafe is replaced by a gym, the city government will have become a parody of itself. Ron Katz From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printers Inc Date:Friday, March 15, 2024 11:35:50 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hello, I am writing to support keeping Printers Inc and NOT turning it into an even bigger gym on California Avenue. The whole feel of the street has changed so much with so many businesses leaving over the years. Who needs more gym space there? Cal Ave has been such a great gathering place and that is lessening with all the gyms. Thank you. Sent from my iPhone but now Moods and Printers Inc. Café too? These three are a real focus and part of what we want to create and nurture on the new Cal Ave. I was doubly shocked to hear that this displacement is occurring because the gym wants to expand. The gym detracts from the community and its expansion will only threaten the Birch end of Cal Avenue. With Antionios and Calave closed, that would leave just Gamelandia as a positive force for the walking street – and they aren’t even on the closed part! The city needs to focus on getting retailer into the walking part of the street who really contribute to it as a walking street. Please do what you can to preserve and protect Moods and Printers Inc Café! Are you the right person for this message, or should I send it elsewhere, perhaps to the City Council? Best Regards, David Matheson From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printers Cafe Date:Thursday, March 14, 2024 6:30:50 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Please help keep the Printers Cafe open on California Avenue for the good of the community. We don’t need or want bigger stores, bigger gyms or big chain companies in this pedestrian area. To achieve this goal, and for the good of local residents, we need reasonable planning and zoning rules and decisions that support a diversity of small businesses that serve the community - like Printers Cafe. We already lost Calave down the street. We are Palo Alto residents who live nearby. Kevin Feldis Sent from my iPhone From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Re Printers Cafe Date:Wednesday, March 13, 2024 9:31:59 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ I was very disheartened to read Printers Cafe may be closed. I also resent that the gallery in the back has already been shut down. Over the years, I have especially enjoyed visiting that gallery. Since it is probably too late to change the status of the gallery, I will devote the rest of this letter to saving Printers Cafe. The ambience there is conducive to quiet, friendly meetings. Too often these days if one goes to an eatery, you can’t even hear to converse over the loud music or chatter of the crowd. The food is excellent and the size of the serving well worth it. That too is no longer the norm. I have also enjoyed indulging in a delivery from there from time to time. The decor is soothing, and indicative that this cafe is located in the Stanford University area. There are often paintings that are reminiscent of museums adorning the walls. Please do not replace this welcoming spot with a gym. It would be a shame. I am sure I would not be the only one to miss it. Sincerely, Susan Paluzzi Sent from my iPhone Please advise me as to what is happening to this building, and what the status of the murals will be in the future. Thanks so much. Winter Dellenbach Palo Alto Mural story: Photo 1 - A worker in blue jeans carries bags of raw beans to the coffee roaster on the right, with billows of steam coming from the roasting machine. Bags of beans are on 2 stools at the counter, with plumb roasted beans next to the steaming cup of espresso. Photo 2 - A 2nd worker carries in bags of roasted bean through the Cafe front entrance as a couple at a table kiss. There was once an actual wedding in the Bookstore for a couple who met in the fantasy section. Photo 3 - Last, an heroic looking barista on the left works the espresso machine near the customary flower bouquet which always was in the Cafe and bookstore. Part of a foreign language newspaper can be seen as if held for reading by a customer just out of sight, referencing the Bookstore as selling international newspapers and magazines. A customer reads at the nearby table. As was the way of Cafe customers, they became engrossed in reading, with time slipping away unnoticed, as shown by the Daliesque-like melting clock sliding off the table edge. Mural Photos: <image003.jpg> <image004.jpg> <image005.jpg> From: To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Cc:Lait, Jonathan Subject:Proposed alteration of use for Printers Inc cafe/gallery space Date:Saturday, March 16, 2024 10:09:20 AM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clickingon links.________________________________ Dear Ms Kandikuppa, I gather the owners of the gym on the corner of Birch St and California Ave are refusing to renew the lease of thePrinters cafe next door with the intention of expanding the gym into that space. Can you please pass on my requestto the Planning and Transportation Committee that when they consider this expansion proposal they weigh thepublic value that Printers has provided for many years and the degree to which it contributes to the vibrancy andsuccess of the California Ave retail district. Shutting that space off to public use, in contrast, would stymie the City’s laudable efforts to make California Avenuea successful pedestrian destination. It looks like the Calave winebar has already closed, as has Starbucks, andAntonio’s is years from reopening. The closure of Printers will only further erode the availability of attractive placesfor people to meet in that location. If the city is serious about creating a successful retail district, as well as supporting the kinds of socially andcivically beneficial interactions that cafes enable, I hope that it will see the sense of making planning decisions thatare consistent with that intention. Sincerely and with thanks for your consideration, Simon Firth From:Kandikuppa, Nishita To: Subject:RE: 310 and 320 California Ave. conditional use permit Date:Tuesday, February 6, 2024 4:55:00 PM Attachments:image001.png image002.png Hi Rainer, My sincere apologies for missing your email – I have been receiving a large volume of emails from the community and yours must have gotten lost. I reached out to all interested parties last week with an update. I am copying the same email here for your convenience. Thank you for showing your support for Al and Printer’s Café. Keeping your concerns in mind and anticipating an appeal in the future, the Director has decided to float this project up to Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and City Council. What this means is that you and Al do not have to appeal the project because the Director has recommended this project to City Council on your behalf. No further action is needed from you at this time. I have copied the section of our code that discusses Deferral of Director’s Actions; subsection (d) applies to this project: PAMC Section 18.40.170 Deferral of Director’s Action The director shall have the authority to forward projects to City Council for final action in the circumstances listed below. No action by the Director shall be required, and the appeal process and or request for hearing process shall not apply to such referred actions, provided, however, that the Director may seek a recommendation from the Architectural Review Board or Planning and Transportation Commission prior to action by the City Council. (a) In the case of projects having multiple entitlements, where one requires City Council approval, all entitlements may be referred to City Council for final action; (b) Projects involving leases or agreements for the use of City-owned property; and (c) Projects requiring a statement of overriding considerations, pursuant to Section 18.31.010; and (d) Projects, as deemed appropriate by the director. I also want to share the City’s CUP Findings that City Council will base their decision on. When you attend the public hearings, you will need to prove that either of these two conditions apply to this project, along with other comments or concerns you have. PAMC Section 18.76.010 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) (c) Findings Neither the director, nor the city council on appeal, shall grant a conditional use permit, unless it is found that the granting of the application will: (1) Not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare, or convenience; (2) Be located and conducted in a manner in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and the purposes of this title (Zoning). Rainer Pitthan -- Conditional Use Permit for the building at 310 California Street. The File Number is 23PLN-00304. They indicated that you are the planner for this application. Question: Is this application scheduled for a public hearing before the Planning Commission and the City Council? Is there a way that I can be notified when the application is scheduled for public review before the Commission or the Council? Thank you, Donald Barr the conditional use permit for this site? Thanks! Todd Campbell From:Kandikuppa, Nishita To: Subject:RE: Proposed expansion of 310 California Ave. Date:Tuesday, February 6, 2024 4:54:00 PM Attachments:image001.png image002.png Hi Cris, My sincere apologies for missing your email – I have been receiving a large volume of emails from the community and yours must have gotten lost. I reached out to all interested parties last week with an update. I am copying the same email here for your convenience. Thank you for showing your support for Al and Printer’s Café. Keeping your concerns in mind and anticipating an appeal in the future, the Director has decided to float this project up to Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and City Council. What this means is that you and Al do not have to appeal the project because the Director has recommended this project to City Council on your behalf. No further action is needed from you at this time. I have copied the section of our code that discusses Deferral of Director’s Actions; subsection (d) applies to this project: PAMC Section 18.40.170 Deferral of Director’s Action The director shall have the authority to forward projects to City Council for final action in the circumstances listed below. No action by the Director shall be required, and the appeal process and or request for hearing process shall not apply to such referred actions, provided, however, that the Director may seek a recommendation from the Architectural Review Board or Planning and Transportation Commission prior to action by the City Council. (a) In the case of projects having multiple entitlements, where one requires City Council approval, all entitlements may be referred to City Council for final action; (b) Projects involving leases or agreements for the use of City-owned property; and (c) Projects requiring a statement of overriding considerations, pursuant to Section 18.31.010; and (d) Projects, as deemed appropriate by the director. I also want to share the City’s CUP Findings that City Council will base their decision on. When you attend the public hearings, you will need to prove that either of these two conditions apply to this project, along with other comments or concerns you have. PAMC Section 18.76.010 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) (c) Findings Neither the director, nor the city council on appeal, shall grant a conditional use permit, unless it is found that the granting of the application will: (1) Not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare, or convenience; (2) Be located and conducted in a manner in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and the purposes of this title (Zoning). to exist on the (almost) corner of California Ave. and Birch. Cris Oppenheimer David P. Lanferman Direct Dial: (650) 320-1507 E-mail: dlanferman@rutan.com February 8, 2024 Rutan & Tucker, LLP | 455 Market Street, Suite 1870 San Francisco, CA 94105 | 650-263-7900 | Fax 650 -263-7901 Orange County | Palo Alto | San Francisco | Scottsdale | www.rutan.com 2783/099999-0084 20232275.2 a02/08/24 VIA E-MAIL Jonathan Lait, Director of Planning and Development Services City of Palo Alto 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 E-Mail:Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org Nishita Kandikuppa Associate Planner City of Palo Alto 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 E-Mail: Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org Re: CUP Application – 23PLN-00304 Applicant: Palo Alto Fit, LLC Location: 310-320 California Avenue Dear Director Lait and Associate Planner Kandikuppa: Our law firm has been engaged to represent the current owner of the property at 310 – 320 California Avenue in Palo Alto, PA California, LLC, and the CUP applicants PA Fit, LLC (Nina Nguyen and Mirco Horst, managing members) in connection with this application for issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. It appears that City action on this application has been unnecessarily “deferred” and delayed – based on the omission or non-disclosure of important information by those who have opposed the application. As you are probably already aware, the subject property was used as a café/coffee shop (dba “Printer’s Café”) for many years by a tenant in that space, Mr. Ghafouri. He apparently built a devoted following of customers, some of whom have apparently communicated with the City in response to our clients’ recent application for a new CUP. The application for a new CUP contemplates the continued use of that property for the same purpose, i.e., as a café/coffee shop – very similar to what has operated at this location for the past few years, but under new management. However, the City Staff and those folks who have expressed opposition to the CUP application, may not be aware of critical information: the current tenants of 320 California Avenue (Shaldon Enterprises, Inc., Mr. Al Ghafouri and Donna Ghafouri), approached the property owners last year and specifically requested that they be allowed to get out of their lease and requested the early termination of the existing lease. The owners agreed to Mr. Ghafouri’s request, and even agreed to his request for rent reduction.. Mr Ghafouri further requested a specific early termination date of no later than April 6, Attachment E Jonathan Lait, Director of Planning and Development Services Nishita Kandikuppa February 8, 2024 Page 2 2783/099999-0084 20232275.2 a02/08/24 2024, and agreed to voluntarily vacate the premises by that date, leaving them “broom clean.” At Mr. Ghafouri’s request, the parties entered into a written agreement in August 2023, confirming the tenant’s request for the early termination of the lease in April 2024. I will gladly provide you with a copy of the written Lease Termination Agreement if you request. It is important for the City -- and the folks who have apparently asked the City to take some action on the CUP to somehow allow Mr. Ghafouri to continue to occupy the site – to realize that he has already agreed to terminate his lease and voluntarily surrender occupancy of the property no later than April 6, 2024.. Our clients’ pending CUP application is separate from and unrelated to the status of the lease with Mr. Ghafouri. That lease will be over and terminated on or about April 6, 2024 -- -- regardless of what happens with our clients’ pending CUP application. It is unfortunate that so much letter-writing has been misdirected to the City, which should not let itself become involved in what appears to be a simply private lease issue. Accordingly, Mr. Ghafouri and his supporters should recognize and accept the fact that opposing or trying to delay the CUP application is not the way to try to restore or reinstate Mr. Ghafouri as a tenant at these properties. To the contrary, such actions simply impede and delay our clients’ efforts to improve the properties so as to be able to continue to provide the types of great coffee, food, and ambience that the community has long enjoyed at this location. Their CUP application is simple and straightforward, and does not involve significant changes to the structure, the surrounding property, or the continued lawful and conditionally-permitted use of the property. It does not meet any of the Code criteria (PAMC § 18.40.170) for deferral of Director’s Action. We respectfully request City Staff to reconsider the unfounded and hasty decision to “defer the Director’s Action.” It appears that the decision to defer the Director’s action was based on the misleading failure to disclose to City Staff (or to the public) the dispositive facts regarding the imminent – and voluntary -- termination of Mr. Ghafouri’s lease. Neither the City Staff nor the public should act under the misconception that the delay or denial of the CUP approval would somehow prevent the already-agreed termination of the lease. We again request that the City reconsider its previous action on this application in light of the true facts regarding the lease expiration, and restore this matter for timely Staff-level review of a CUP under the standard City Code procedures. There is no ‘good cause’ to do otherwise. Jonathan Lait, Director of Planning and Development Services Nishita Kandikuppa February 8, 2024 Page 3 2783/099999-0084 20232275.2 a02/08/24 Please contact the undersigned if you would like a copy of the Lease Termination Agreement, or other information – or if you would like to discuss our requests. Thank you for your consideration. Very truly yours, RUTAN & TUCKER, LLP David P. Lanferman DPL:cc cc: Nina Nguyen, Mirco Horst @ Palo Alto Fit, LLC Laura Roberts <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Yang, Albert <Albert.Yang@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: RE: CUP Application – 23PLN-00304 / Applicant: Palo Alto Fit, LLC / Location: 310-320 California Avenue Hello Ms. Gerhardt – Just a brief note to follow up on the voicemail message left at your office earlier today. We appreciate your (really quick) reply to our letter regarding this CUP application, andwanted to thank you for the very good points you made in your reply. I would welcome a chance to have a brief phone call with you early next week just to get abetter understanding of a few questions. Please let me know your availability, or feel free to call memost any time Monday or Tuesday. Thanks again -- Dave David P. Lanferman 455 Market Street, Suite 1870 | San Francisco, CA 94105 O. (650) 263-7900 | D. (650) 320-1507 | M. (510) 303-1178 DLanferman@rutan.com | www.rutan.com _____________________________________________________ Privileged And Confidential Communication. This electronic transmission, and any documents attached hereto, (a) are protected by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (18 USC §§ 2510-2521), (b) may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information, and (c) are for the sole use of the intended recipient named above. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender and delete the electronic message. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of the information received in error is strictly prohibited. From: Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@CityofPaloAlto.org> Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 6:49 PM To: Castro, Clarissa <ccastro@rutan.com>; Lanferman, David <DLanferman@rutan.com>; mircohorst@me.com; Nina Nguyen <nina@paloaltofit.com>; Laura Roberts <laura@koarch.com> Cc: Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Yang, Albert <Albert.Yang@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: RE: CUP Application – 23PLN-00304 / Applicant: Palo Alto Fit, LLC / Location: 310-320 California Avenue Dear Mr. Lanferman, Thank you for your letter dated February 8, 2024 regarding the CUP application at 310 California Avenue. I'm writing to you at the Director's request to address your concerns. While we acknowledge your position that the CUP process is separate from private lease negotiations, we respectfully disagree that the project doesn't meet the criteria for consideration under PAMC 18.40.170. This section grants the Director discretion to "float up" any project he You don't often get email from ccastro@rutan.com. Learn why this is important deems appropriate. The Director believes this project qualifies due to the significant community interest. I would also like to explain that this float up process will likely be quicker for the applicant. Under the standard CUP process, staff would draft a tentative decision letter followed by a 14-day appeal period, likely leading to an appeal and hearings before the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) and City Council. By utilizing the float-up process, we bypass these middle steps and present the project directly to the PTC and Council, thereby providing an expedited decision. Please let Nishita and I know if you have additional questions. Sincerely, Jodie Gerhardt (she/her), AICP Manager of Current Planning Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2575 | jodie.gerhardt@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org Parcel Report | Palo Alto Zoning Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Forms & Applications | Planning Applications Mapped From: Castro, Clarissa <ccastro@rutan.com> Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 2:35 PM To: Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org> Cc: Lanferman, David <DLanferman@rutan.com>; Mirco Horst <mircohorst@me.com>; Nina Nguyen Main <nina@paloaltofit.com>; laura@koarch.com Subject: CUP Application – 23PLN-00304 / Applicant: Palo Alto Fit, LLC / Location: 310-320 California Avenue CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Director Lait and Associate Planner Kandikuppa: Attached please find written correspondence from Mr. Lanferman in regards to the above- referenced matter. Best, Clarissa CastroLegal Secretary 455 Market Street, Suite 1870 | San Francisco, CA 94105O. (650) 263-7900 | D. (650) 320-1500 x7725 ccastro@rutan.com | www.rutan.com _____________________________________________________ Privileged And Confidential Communication. This electronic transmission, and any documents attached hereto, (a) are protected by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (18 USC §§ 2510-2521), (b) may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information, and (c) are for the sole use of the intended recipient named above. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender and delete the electronic message. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of the information received in error is strictly prohibited. From:Mirco Horst To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Cc:Laura Roberts; nina@paloaltofit.com Subject:Re: 310 California Avenue - 23PLN-00304 - Public Comments Date:Thursday, November 30, 2023 6:31:09 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Nishita, Thank you for forwarding the public comments. However, the commenters are presumably unawarethat Printers Cafe voluntarily shortened its lease earlier this year. The lease was originally scheduled to terminate on October 31, 2025. The parties mutually agreed to reduced rent during the Covidpandemic and for a period of time afterward, but when the original rent was to be reinstated, PrintersCafe indicated a preference to shorten the lease term in exchange for a reduced rent for thatshortened term. The new lease termination date, as requested by Printers Cafe, is April 6, 2024. We also note that there is no shortage of locations to enjoy a cappuccino or other fine coffee onCalifornia Avenue: ZombieRunner, Backyard Brew, Joanie's, La Boheme, Anatolian Kitchen, andCafe Pro Bono are among the daytime options, with a few others, such as Terun and Protege, providing evening options. Similarly, a glass of wine is available at many CalAve venues, such asCalave, Vin Vino, and virtually all of the restaurants in the three block stretch from Park Blvd. to ElCamino. We appreciate your consideration of this response. Please let us know if you require any furtherinformation. Best regards, Nina & Mirco On Nov 28, 2023, at 4:29 PM, Kandikuppa, Nishita<Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: Hi Laura, As mentioned over the phone earlier, I have attached a PDF consolidating the public comments I have received for the 310 California CUP application. Printer’s Café is a popular spot for many residents and local leaders which explains the volume of emails I have been receiving. Please review the concerns with the property owners (copied on this email) and get back to me on whether Printer’s Café will be renewing their lease. I must have this in writing so I can share it with the concerned neighbors/residents. It is also important to note that for CUP applications, anybody in the public can appeal for a Director’s Hearing, not just adjacent neighbors. This a provision in the Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.77.060 (c)(4). This business is beloved by the community so if Printer’s Café were to move out, it could cause delays in the project. Please let me know if you have any questions! Best, Nishita <image001.png>Nishita Kandikuppa Associate Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 838-2806 | nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> Parcel Report | Palo Alto Zoning Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Forms & Applications | Planning Applications Mapped <PublicComments1_310California.pdf> From:Al Ghafouri To:Kandikuppa, Nishita; Lait, Jonathan; Burt, Patrick Subject:Printers cafe Date:Friday, March 15, 2024 3:40:18 AM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from printerscafe@gmail.com. Learn whythis is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links.________________________________ Hi Nishita,Hope all is well with you. It’s almost unbelievable how much I was not given the truth over the last fewmonths by continuing landlord telling me we have you on our plan for city approval and we talk aboutextending my lease after CUP approved . Now I see it was never planning to keep printers cafe after 40years of history. You know I kept the cafe going during California construction which hurt my businesstremendously but I rebuild it again which 2018 , 2019 was the best years sales . Than worse pandemic hitthe world my business dropped to zero family and friends told me many times to close the cafepermanently it never come back but I didn’t. I applied for SBA loan to help my long time worker theyhad no other help and to keep the cafe going . Now I cabt survive the new landlord replacing 65 yearsold gallery in Palo Alto, 40 years old cafe in Palo Alto with larger Gym and new so called Elite Cafe andhealthy snack. how that make any sense to anyone? People love printers cafe infact just started bunch ofnew company for catering this is what I kept the cafe open during pandemic . Now the gallery leaving ,moods wine bar leaving, is only leaving me and I am hoping still landlord consider smaller space forprinters cafe that I can afford to stay for few more years and keep all my customers happy and myemployees. Thank you All for your support see you April 10 th . Al Ghafouri Attachment F From:Al Ghafouri To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Re: Printers Cafe - 320 California Ave., Palo Alto Date:Wednesday, December 13, 2023 3:49:18 PM You don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this is important Thank you Sent from my iPhone On Dec 13, 2023, at 3:26 PM, Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote:Hi Al, I got your voicemail, but I am emailing you back, so you have it in writing. If you and your customers want to sign the appeal form, you can add all appellants to the same form or attach another sheet listing their contact information if the form doesn’t allow you to type more than a few names. Alternatively, you can include the names of all appellants in the letter. Let me know if you have other questions! Best, Nishita <image001.png>Nishita Kandikuppa Associate Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 838-2806 | nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> Note: I wil be out of office from December 21-26 and December 29-January 2. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience. Happy Holidays! From: Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 5:44 PM To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Re: Printers Cafe - 320 California Ave., Palo Alto You don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this is important Hi Nishita, I’m sorry I wasn’t clear, if my customers want to sign an appeal, how can they all sign this 1 form or do you mean they need to file separately? Obviously my customers are concerned and I want to provide them the correct info and yet keep it simple for them. Please let me know what’s the best way, once they receive the card, to proceed? Again thank you for all your help. Best, AL Sent from my iPhone On Dec 12, 2023, at 3:19 PM, Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Hi Al, The project is still under review so the notice card will not be mailed out anytime soon. I will keep you posted with updates. Happy Holidays to you as well! Best, Nishita <image001.png>Nishita Kandikuppa Associate Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 838-2806 | nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> Note: I wil be out of office from December 21-26 and December 29- January 2. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience. Happy Holidays! From:Al Ghafouri To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Cc:Lait, Jonathan; Gerhardt, Jodie Subject:Re: Printers cafe / moods wine bar lease extension Date:Wednesday, February 14, 2024 10:52:13 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant Good morning Nishita, Just let you know I emailed and voicemail owner so far no response from him . Is so Sad Idon’t no what happened he was talking all along going to talk about extending our lease after CUP approved he even mentioned he has our entire kitchen equipment and dining room on hisplan . Just want to let you know, thank you, Al On Feb 13, 2024, at 4:37 PM, Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com> wrote:Thank you so very much for your help in this difficult situation. We have beentrying to reach out to Landlord. (I sent text last week and just left him a VM).Unfortunately he has not yet responded . Hoping for a good resolution. Than you,AL On Feb 13, 2024, at 4:12 PM, Kandikuppa, Nishita<Nishita.Kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote:Hi Al, Thank you for the update. As I mentioned over the phone, it would be best to have a conversation with the property owner prior to the PTC/City Council hearings. We have communicated the same with the property owner and we hope they get in touch with you soon. As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions. I will keep you posted with next steps! Best, Nishita <image001.png>Nishita Kandikuppa Associate Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 838-2806 | nishita.kandikuppa@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> Parcel Report | Palo Alto Zoning Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Forms & Applications | Planning Applications Mapped From: Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 11:46 AM To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Fwd: Printers cafe / moods wine bar lease extension CAUTION: This email originated from outside of theorganization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Hello Nishita, Hope you are having a great day. As I promised, keeping you updated. I sent the below email to landlord for lease extension last Monday. i haven’t received any response as of today . Per my previous email to you, we only have until April 7, then we need to close and move out. This will devastate to our long time employees and more importantly to our long time customers of Palo Alto. Over the past months my Landlord kept me hopeful to stay, by telling me, after CUP approved we can talk about lease extension. I told him I’m willing to pay market rent. But he has yet to reach out to me. Anyway just keeping you informed and please keep me updated. Thank you so much, Al Begin forwarded message: From: Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com> Date: February 5, 2024 at 5:21:04 PM PST To: Mirco Horst <mircohorst@me.com> Subject: Printers cafe / moods wine bar lease extension Hi Mirco , Hope all is well with you. Do you think it’s time to sign an 2.5 year lease extension- from April 2024 to September 2026 since your intention is sign us after CUP . It will then be time for me to think of retiring. Of course, Subject to approval of your CUP, Or even extend our agreement for additional 4 months or so, until you have an approved CUP, and at that time we can sign 2.5 years lease extension.. I’ve been on California Ave. for over 25 years, 15 years at 320, 10 years at 109 cal ave. (another cafe). I have so many loyal customers, many have helped me financially during pandemic, which I am very grateful too. I’ve opened 12 cafes and Restaurants all over the bay area for past 40 years, and Never been in this situation. I have done everything you‘ve asked of me last few months and continue to help you in future and I would like to stay, at least for a few more years. I’d appreciate if you would let me know, as soon as possible. Thank you, Al From:Al Ghafouri To:Lait, Jonathan Cc:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Re: Printers cafe Date:Tuesday, March 5, 2024 3:06:51 PM [You don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Hi Jonathan,Thank you for your email. Still so many customers and residents want to come to April 10 th meeting they feel calave without printers cafe is not acceptable to them with so much history of cafe , bookstore. Hope to see you beforeI close cafe soon , thank you for your support appreciate it very much, Al > On Mar 5, 2024, at 1:05 PM, Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote:>> Thank you for sending this update, Mr. Ghafouri. I'm sorry that an amicable resolution between you and theproperty owner could not be achieved. Thank you for serving the community for the past 15 years. All the best toyou and your family.>> Take care,>> Jonathan>>> JONATHAN LAIT> Director> Planning and Development Department> (650) 329-2679 | jonathan.lait@cityofpaloalto.org> www.cityofpaloalto.org>>> -----Original Message-----> From: Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com>> Sent: Friday, March 1, 2024 12:08 PM> To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lait, Jonathan<Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>> Subject: Printers cafe>> [Some people who received this message don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] >> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links.> ________________________________>> Hello Nishita,>> Hope you’re having a good day. After many sleepless nights, and at the urging of my family, I’ve decided to retireand close Printers Cafe, permanently on March 31st.>> I, thank you and my wonderful customers for all your support. However, since my landlord made his decision notto renew my lease, I obviously no longer feel welcome. Therefore, I will not be attending any meetings at the City. Iwill tell my customers that we enjoyed a great ride for the past 15 years on California ave (even thru Covid) but thetime has come for me to move on and spend time with my family. From:Al Ghafouri To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Fwd: Printers Cafe Date:Tuesday, February 27, 2024 9:29:28 AM You don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Nishita, This is last email I send to landlord to remind him of what exactly happened. Thank you, Al Begin forwarded message: From: Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com>Date: February 24, 2024 at 9:16:16 AM PSTTo: Mirco Horst <mircohorst@me.com>Subject: Printers Cafe Mirco , Just to clarify and as a reminder, you gave me a 3 days notice in Aug. andthreatened to evict us if we don’t pay pre pandemic rent . This is the reason I accepted the rent reduction and end of lease date of April 6th. You left me nochoice, since our business had not recovered from Covid and we could not afford to pay pre Covid rent. Unfortunately you would not accept the special rentreduction we had been paying from Rick, our previous landlord. Over the past months, you continued telling me we’d talk about a lease extension.You even have my entire Cafe on your plans you submitted to the City. I maintained my long time employees hoping that a lease extension would happen,until last week when you decided you had no intention to extend. As far as security deposit, gallery members are very upset. They’ve requestedreturn of the security deposit before leaving to pay for their move, expenses etc . Same goes for myself. It’s costing money to move all equipment etc. Therefore,we’d like you to consider returning our security deposit before we vacate premises or within 14 days after vacating.Thanks, Al From:Al Ghafouri To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printers Cafe - 320 California Ave., Palo Alto Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 6:34:48 PM [You don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ >> Hi Nishita, >> >> By way of introduction, my name is Al Ghafouri, owner of Printer's Cafe. Several of my customers have forwarded me your email reply to them. However, I just wanted to clarify our situation a little more. Our new Landlord told us we needed to immediately pay the PreCovid rent, which myself, Gallery & wine bar could NOT afford, as all our businesses are still down over 50%. The new Landlord served us a 3 day notice. If we couldn’t make a deal or pay full rent, he was going to evict us . At that point, we hired an Attorney. It was suggested that unless we wanted to vacate immediately we had no real choice but to accept a >> “slightly “ reduced rent - which we negotiated for 9 months, beginning July of this year ending April 6, 2024. Unfortunately the Gallery and Wine bar could not afford to pay the new rent. Therefore, I’ve had to secure a loan to pay for this additional rent. We ALL want to stay. I've suggested to Landlord many times, let's talk and come to a long term rental agreement. He has indicated he’d be willing to talk to us after he gets the CUP permit. We are really hoping to be included in his long term plans, at fair market rent. >> >> Hope this helps to put things in a little better perspective. >> >> Thank you for your time. >> >> Best, >> Al Ghafouri >> Printers Cafe >> c: 650533.1427 From:Al Ghafouri To:Kandikuppa, Nishita Subject:Printers cafe 320 calif ave Date:Wednesday, January 10, 2024 5:26:58 AM [You don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hi Nishita, It was nice to speak with you yesterday and thank you for updating me . Please keep me posted with any updates. So far Landlord has been very helpful to update me and I am hopeful I can continue printers cafe after 35 years in Palo Alto. As I mentioned I have until March 30 th and I asked landlord to extend this date perhaps till end of the year while his getting his CUP and building permit and hopefully we can sign longer lease terms with him later . He still hasn’t gotten back to me yet I will keep you posted. Again thank you , Al Ghafouri 650 533 1427 Sent from my iPhone From:Al Ghafouri To:Kandikuppa, Nishita; Lait, Jonathan; Burt, Patrick Subject:Printers cafe Date:Friday, February 16, 2024 2:30:39 PM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from alghafouri@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hi Nishita, Thank you for your help with my situation. However, sadly my 15 years at Printers Cafe has come to an end. I just received a letter from my Landlords attorney. At this point I can’t get involved. I’ll just let the City make its own decision re this location and pending CUP etc. Please don’t change any upcoming hearing dates on my behalf. Regarding my wonderfully supportive customers, they can do whatever they think is best for California Ave. but I can’t be involved. Therefore, as of March 31st Printers Cafe will close its doors. Thank you , Al Sent from my iPhone Palo Alto Fit Nina Nguyen 425 Portage Ave Palo Alto, CA 94306 nina@paloaltofit.com (650)441-0347 March 21, 2024 City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and Building Division 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Subject: Request for Conditional Use Permit – 310 & 320 California Ave (APN: 124-32-034) Dear City Planner, I am writing to formally request a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Palo Alto Fit, a boutique specializing in personal training and nutrition consultation. Palo Alto Fit has served the community for almost ten years in Palo Alto. Our long search for a permanent location spanned several years, as we were looking for a space that is convenient for our clients and accommodates our needs. After an extensive search, the California Avenue building was the best option available to purchase. California Avenue is also a great location for our clients, as it is within walking and biking distance from their homes. Our new location allows us to have more public transportation and parking options available than we have today. We are committed to enhancing our clients' journey to vitality and balancing physical fitness with holistic health practices. The new space will reflect this mission and include facilities catering to our existing and prospective clients interested in personalized functional training within a private environment. We are focusing on those who are dedicated to integrating fitness and health into their daily lives, including individuals managing higher health risks and heart conditions. Attachment G Plan of operation: 1. Operating Hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, aligning with community work hours. 2. Appointment-Only Service: PAF operates by appointment for a personalized experience. 3. Service Offerings: Expanding to include resistance training, mobility exercises, and functional movements. 4. Enhanced Customer Amenities: Adding improved bathroom and shower facilities, and adding dedicated customer restrooms to the Cafe space at 320 California Ave. 5. Cafe Use Continuation: We will continue utilizing approximately 2,800 SF of the 320 California Ave site for Cafe use. 6. Enhanced Office/Staff Space: A portion of the facility designated for staff and meetings on the second floor. With approval of the CUP we are delighted to announce the forthcoming opening of a specialty cafe at 320 California Avenue under new ownership. This cafe will offer a refined selection of great coffees and healthy food items. Designed as a healthy retreat, it will provide the community with a space to convene for relaxation and enjoyment in an inviting ambiance. A place where you can sit down and enjoy high-quality coffee and some healthy snacks. Palo Alto Fit's expansion at 310 California Avenue represents a step in fostering a robust, health-conscious community. Our personal training services are designed to empower individuals, equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to actively participate in their journey towards health and fitness. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyle changes that will contribute to the long-term wellness of the community. Moreover, our facility will serve as a hub for social connection, where residents can build supportive networks, encouraging a sense of belonging and mutual motivation. The positive atmosphere created by Palo Alto Fit is set to inspire healthier lifestyle choices and foster a culture of well-being. Furthermore, our collaborative efforts with local entities will amplify the reach of health education and wellness initiatives, thereby enriching Palo Alto’s overall health landscape. We kindly request your support for our Conditional Use Permit at 310 & 320 California Ave Sincerely, Nina Nguyen Business Owner, Palo Alto Fit Building Owner, 310-320 California Ave If you need assistance reviewing the above documents, please contact the Project Planner or call the Planner-on-Duty at 650-617-3117 or email planner@cityofpaloalto.org Project Plans In order to reduce paper consumption, a limited number of hard copy project plans are provided to Board members for their review. The same plans are available to the public, at all hours of the day, via the following online resources. Environmental Document The proposed project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Guideline Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). Directions to review Project plans and environmental documents online: 1.Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects 2.Scroll down to find “310 California Avenue” and click the address link 3.On this project-specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and other important information Direct Link to Project Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current- Planning/Projects/310-California-Avenue Attachment H From:Wolfgang Dueregger To:Council, City Subject:new gym @ 320 Cal Ave Date:Sunday, June 9, 2024 2:17:30 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, today you have an action item to approve the new gym that will occupy the space of the former Printers Cafe/Mood's bar/gallery location. Doing so will continue the path of making Cal Ave less attractive to people to hang out there -and as a consequence of doing business at any of the few remaining retail stores. The new gym will offer one on one specialized exercise classes for people with special needs or interest. This was pretty obvious from the last meeting about 320 Cal Ave in April. At thatmeeting it became clear what that new gym will actually look like from the own words of the new gym owners and their brought in supporters. Besides pushing out 3 community servingbusinesses where people actually did gather and socialize, this new gym will be exclusive to members paying lots of dollars per exercise class for one on one training. In addition, the "newcafe" they want to put in there is geared towards a grab and go clientele - which we don't need since there is already one next door - ZombieRunner. You remember Avalon yoga? That was a community gathering spot. It was about yoga andexercise, but it was more than that. people interacted with each other before and after. Printers/Moods bar/ gallery: same thing, different business, but same concept of being of value to the community as a gathering place. Nut house: same thing Palo Alto bakery: same thing What do all these businesses share in common? they are all gone. and approving this new gym today will just put another nail into the Cal Ave coffin. you can pay more consultants and waste more money on studies reg/ what to do about CalAve, continuing on the current path you will keep doing exactly the opposite of what you are saying you want to do: provide retail and small businesses with a vibrant atmosphere to enticepeople to come and shop or hang out or do both. Look at University Avenue: same thing, same story. every month it looks more dreaded similar situation in Midtown (Middlefield Road and Colorado): the last true coffee shop standing (Palo Alto Coffee) will be out there within a year or 2 at most, all the other smallbusinesses will be out and gone as well, since the whole midtown center will be completely rebuilt as a mall. And it will be unaffordable for any current small businesses to return. for a place about the size of Printers Cafe not just the new owners but other owners forsimilarly sized places as well charge 25K/month. So what business do you actually have to run to even break even? well, something like 200$ for a gym class or food for 40-50$/entree, etc. So we all know which direction we are heading and tonight will just be a confirmation of theabove said. Wolfgang Dueregger Stanford Ave