South San Francisco Planning Commission Regular Meeting – October 19, 2018

The South San Francisco Planning Commission held a regular meeting on October 19, 2018, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Services Building Council Chambers. The meeting addressed three main agenda items: a use permit modification for E-Plus Karaoke Studios, appointments to the General Plan Community Advisory Committee, and a resolution of conformance for the dedication of Poletti Way. The commission voted to deny the requested modifications for E-Plus Karaoke, appointed two commissioners and an alternate to the advisory committee, and unanimously approved the Poletti Way dedication conformance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No oral communications from the public on non-agenda items were received at the start of the meeting.
• During the public hearing on the use permit modification, the applicant’s representative (Tony Spidallary) and the owner (Jenny, via translator) spoke in favor of the requested modifications, emphasizing a new management team and a shift toward family-friendly events. They requested the commission consider at least partial approval, such as later hours on weekends, to demonstrate improved operations.
• Sergeant Mike Rudis of the South San Francisco Police Department presented evidence of multiple violations of existing conditions of approval, including stabbings, lack of security guards, malfunctioning cameras, and unauthorized sale of hard alcohol. He opposed the modifications due to public safety concerns.

Discussion Items

1. Use Permit Modification for E-Plus Karaoke Studios (490 South Airport Boulevard): The applicant sought three modifications: (a) extend karaoke hours until 2:00 a.m. seven days a week (currently midnight Sunday–Thursday and 1:30 a.m. Friday–Saturday), (b) extend café hours until 9:00 p.m., and (c) allow the sale of hard alcohol (currently only beer and wine). Staff recommended denial of the karaoke hours extension and hard alcohol sales, but initially supported the café hours extension; however, the applicant indicated they would not want the café extension without the karaoke extension. The police department documented 333 security checks since 2012, two serious stabbings in the parking lot (one on March 7, 2017, another on August 2, 2015), and a pattern of failing to maintain security guards and video surveillance. The applicant argued that new management (the owner’s daughter) would operate differently, targeting family events, and that past incidents were not indicative of the future. Commissioners expressed skepticism, noting that the owner’s son (previous manager) had submitted a false ABC affidavit claiming zoning approval for hard alcohol, and that the business had not demonstrated compliance with existing conditions. Vice Chair Murphy and Commissioner Faria stated they would be open to reconsidering after a period of demonstrated good behavior. The commission voted to deny all three modification requests.

2. Appointment to General Plan Community Advisory Committee: Principal Planner Tony Rozzi explained that the city is forming a 10-member committee (two planning commissioners, one parks and rec commissioner, one large business owner, one small business owner, and five district representatives) to assist with the new General Plan update, expected to begin in early 2019 and last two years. The commission was asked to appoint two of its members and an alternate. Commissioner Shahade volunteered, citing his daily community interaction. Vice Chair Murphy also expressed interest, though she noted her term ends in one year; she offered to serve as alternate if needed. Commissioner Wong volunteered as alternate. The commission voted to appoint Commissioner Shahade and Vice Chair Murphy as representatives, and Commissioner Wong as alternate.

3. Resolution of Conformance for Dedication of Poletti Way (formerly Executive Drive): Staff presented a formality item requiring the commission to find that the proposed dedication of a portion of Poletti Way for the Caltrain Plaza project conforms to the General Plan. No discussion was needed. The commission unanimously approved the resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Use Permit Modification (E-Plus Karaoke): Denied by a 5-0 vote (Commissioners Evans and Zhang absent). The resolution was modified to deny all three requests: extension of karaoke hours to 2:00 a.m., extension of café hours to 9:00 p.m., and sale of hard alcohol. Existing conditions of approval remain in effect.
• General Plan Advisory Committee Appointments: Approved by a 5-0 vote: Commissioner Shahade and Vice Chair Murphy as representatives, Commissioner Wong as alternate.
• Poletti Way Dedication Conformance: Approved by a 5-0 vote via resolution.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.