Cities Index.
Attachment D - Public Comments

Palo Alto City Council
June 10, 2024

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Attachment D - Public Comments
Meeting
June 10, 2024
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Palo Alto City Council
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on cityofpaloalto.primegov.com. That file is the official record.

From:

To: Kandikuppa, Nishita
Subject: Project at 310 California Ave File number: 23PLN-00304 Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 2:03:54 PM
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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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 <[email protected]> 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 | [email protected] > www.cityofpaloalto.org
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Terry Shuchat
> Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 2:28 PM
> To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <[email protected]> > 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 the requestor of the CUP understands that they are to be included in the project. Too many applicants have applied for permits 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 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:

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).

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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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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 | [email protected] > www.cityofpaloalto.org
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Annette Isaacson
> Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 6:00 PM
> To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <[email protected]>; Council, City <[email protected]>
> 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 Al
opened Printer's Cafe, it has been an important business on California Avenue, a great place to stop for coffee with friends 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 the new 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 <[email protected]> > Cc: Lait, Jonathan <[email protected]> > Subject: Proposed alteration of use for Printers Inc cafe/gallery space >
> [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification
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>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking 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 the Printers cafe next door with the intention of expanding the gym into that space. Can you please pass on my request to the Planning and Transportation Committee that when they consider this expansion proposal they weigh the public value that Printers has provided for many years and the degree to which it contributes to the vibrancy and success 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 Avenue 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 attractive places 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 and civically beneficial interactions that cafes enable, I hope that it will see the sense of making planning decisions that are 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
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Thank you for your responsiveness, Nishita.
> On Mar 19, 2024, at 10:56 AM, Kandikuppa, Nishita <[email protected]> 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 | [email protected] > www.cityofpaloalto.org
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ron Katz
> Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:44 PM
> To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <[email protected]> > 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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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
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________________________________
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 clicking 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 the Printers cafe next door with the intention of expanding the gym into that space. Can you please pass on my request to the Planning and Transportation Committee that when they consider this expansion proposal they weigh the public value that Printers has provided for many years and the degree to which it contributes to the vibrancy and success 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 Avenue 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 attractive places 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 and civically beneficial interactions that cafes enable, I hope that it will see the sense of making planning decisions that are 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

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