Lynwood City Council Approves Rezoning of Controversial Business

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013, the Lynwood city council voted in favor of allowing a prospective business to rezone their facility on 10700 Alameda Street.  The commercial establishment that is to be opened is being described by city officials as a two-story restaurant with a banquet hall.

Several Lynwood residents, as well as South Gate officials, have expressed concern over the potential effects of this establishment.

These fears are based on the belief that the business will operate a nightclub, and as a result invite unsafe behavior.

Concerns that are appear to be based on the negative experience that several residents and law enforcement officials had with El Farallon, a now defunct club.

“I reiterate that this is a restaurant and a banquet facility,” said Jonathan Colin, Lynwood’s Director of Development Services.

“They will not be able to operate a nightclub,” said Colin.

All councilmembers, with exception of Mayor Sal Alatorre who abstained, voted in favor of granting the permission to rezone with specific conditions.

The latter restrictions were said to have taken into account the complaints of 125 submitted letters of opposition.

Among the conditions for the granting of the permit is that there not be a cover charge to enter the facilities, no dancing inside the restaurant, free parking, and the obligatory presence of two deputies, from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), if the banquet hall is rented by someone who plans to serve alcohol during their event.

The council also mentioned that a city owned security camera is to be installed near the business.

The restaurant will be allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 2: 00 a.m. from Monday to Sunday. Alcohol at the restaurant is to be served from 9:00 a.m. to 11: 30 p.m. 

The banquet hall will open from Friday to Sunday. Events at the hall can take place from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Alcohol will be allowed to be served within this establishment from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

A representative of the business accepted all conditions during the council meeting.

However, many residents present at the meeting were not satisfied, and asked that no permit be given to the business.  

Most of these residents appeared to be concerned with the possibility of this becoming another El Farallon, which they accused of brining dangerous behavior and an increase of crime to the area.

“Your approval of this proposed change would condemn the city of Lynwood to a future of high crime,” warned Margarita Gonzalez, a concerned Lynwood resident. 

Others feared that that the restrictions would simply not work with the provision of alcohol, and the possibility of dancing within banquet hall celebrations.

“You can call it whatever you want,” said Albert Pluma, another resident. “Bottom line, it is an entertainment facility.“

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