Planning Commission approves Palm Avenue Starbucks, drive-through
June 28, 2013
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
A popular eatery will be torn down and the site reborn to hold a national brand coffee shop after the Planning Commission approved the creation of a Starbucks on South Palm Avenue.
The commission approved the plan at the June 25 meeting.
Commissioner John Wisda disclosed that he had discussed the project in the past with architect Cathy (Wilson) Fernandez of Rasmussen & Associates, and had spoken to the project owner City Hall’s lobby before the meeting started.
El Pollo Bravo, located at 310 S. Palm Ave., will be demolished and a new Starbucks building constructed that will offer drive-through service as well as patio seating.
Assistant Planner Caesar Hernandez told commissioners that some modifications were made to the conditions of approval for the Conditional Use Permit centered on allowing a drive-through. The 15,682 square foot property will hold a new building of 1,798 square feet, a smaller footprint than the existing 2,520 square foot structure built in 1977.
When completed the Starbucks will have up to 25 full-time and part-time employees, and although the store is planned to be open around the clock initially the hours may be less. The menu will feature Starbucks coffees, teas and other related beverages as well as breakfast pastries and sandwiches.
Access and parking agreements with fast food drive-throughs to the north and northwest - specifically Jack in the Box and KFC - will remain in place.
Commission Chairman Mike Sommer asked about a modification of the hours of construction to allow work to begin an hour earlier. Hernandez said the 7 a.m. earlier starting time is only to allow equipment staging, and the noise ordinance would still apply.
Starbucks owner Tom Davies told the commission he has been working on creating a Starbucks at the location for a while, but that “Starbucks has been looking to be in Santa Paula for quite a few years... and finally found the perfect location.” Davies said he envisioned people riding their bikes to the coffee house to enjoy the patio seating on weekends, and the company plans on “being part of the community.”
Commissioner Fred Robinson noted the area “already has a lot of traffic, and I would anticipate” commuters picking up coffee would create a “large influx of vehicles in and out.” Hernandez said such anticipated traffic caused modifications such as moving the existing driveway and imposing traffic access guidelines.
Robinson also questioned the proximity and aesthetics of the trash enclosures, and was told the gates leading to same will be covered with decorative vines and the enclosures placed far from outdoor seating.
Although Starbucks is a welcomed addition to the community, Commissioner Ike Ikerd said he had concerns regarding traffic flow and the potential for accidents by those turning left to reach the coffee shop. “You know how people are who haven’t had their coffee,” he joshed.
Deputy Planning Director Stratis Perros said right turns only would be allowed by those leaving the establishment. The entrance for those approaching from the south will be off Harvard Boulevard.
Andre Vandervalk, the owner/operator of the Texaco station located nearby, said he welcomes the project. “I think it’s a nice enhancement when you have a Starbucks across the street... we have another station in Santa Monica” that has the coffee shop opposite to it, and Vandervalk said it has proven to be a positive for his own business.
“I think it’s a great project,” said Wisda. “The Starbucks name is a big draw.”
Wisda made the motion to approve the CUP approved by the commission on a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Marilyn Appleby was absent from the meeting.
