Planning Commission approves beer
& wine for new Italian restaurant
September 16, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The Planning Commission approved two Conditional Use Permits at a recent meeting one for an Italian restaurant with a proven track record of fine food and the second to add a caretaker’s residence at a storage facility delayed by the Great Recession.
Deputy Planner Stratis Perros told the commission that the storage yard, located at 120-124 E. Santa Maria St., had received approvals in about 2008 but do to the Great Recession the project languished. Subsequently the approvals lapsed.
The parcel is located in the light industrial zone although some of the property lies under the airport safety zone which mandates the residence would be located in the front half of the parcel outside the zone.
The gated storage area will have two-story buildings with parking in the back, offices on the first floor and the second story caretaker residence.
Commission Chair Ike Ikerd noted the project was described as a contractor facility with offices and a small residential space.
Perros noted the project would provide storage for vehicles used by the occupant which “is involved in grading,” including for underground lines.
Commissioner John Demers questioned residential use, the airport and light industrial zoning asking how they fit and Perros noted the location of the residential — and its small size — warranted approval.
“It’s not necessarily a conflict,” with the zoning and “for the size and purpose of this I thought it was appropriate...”
Commissioner Mike Sommer noted, “Nine offices, an equal amount of parking spaces...those offices and storage are not reconciled in my mind.”
“We’re looking at a really small space,” said Perros, “a low intensity development.”
The full commission approved the application.
The owners of Cafe Verona, who also own a highly successful Italian restaurant located in Camarillo, have been renovating the building at 650 W. Harvard Blvd. to open a second eatery.
Perros told commissioners the location has been home to different restaurants; there is ample parking and a new trash enclosure has been added to the property and the parking lot has undergone improvements.
The owners are seeking a beer and wine license and Perros noted, “There won’t be entertainment or outdoor dining...”
Proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and reopening for dinner service from 5 to 10 p.m. “seven days a week...”
The Conditional Use Permit for service of wine and beer has been reviewed by the state ABC Board which determined there is not an “over concentration” of liquor licenses in the area.
Commissioner Fred Robinson noted a “point of interest...the previous operator,” at the location was a pizza parlor, “no alcohol with that. And the CUP gives the city authority but they still have to go through the licensing process with ABC.”
The city and the ABC Board work “hand in hand” on such issues, and “we have a little bit of local control.”
“We need a good Italian restaurant,” said Robinson and Commissioner Fred Wacker agreed.
“If the quality of food is as good as it is in Camarillo,” the community will benefit said Wacker.
“It’s a tight fit in there,” said Sommer noting the interior layout of the restaurant and how that would affect flow.
“It’s tight there but it’s going to change,” said Randy Alonso representing the restaurant.
“We’re really excited about being part of the Santa Paula community...we’re longtime residents of Ventura County and we really love Santa Paula.
“We hope you enjoy it...this Cafe Verona is going to be a family-orientated place,” with more family friendlier pricing than its sister restaurant in Old Town Camarillo.
It is hoped the restaurant will be opened October 1.
