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Neighbors hope to block later hours at Pittsburg Elks Lodge

Post Date:03/11/2010

City eNews Release: Thursday, March 11, 2010

Neighbors hope to block later hours at Pittsburg Elks Lodge
By Paul Burgarino
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 03/10/2010 02:05:27 PM PST
Updated: 03/10/2010 05:42:00 PM PST

PITTSBURG — Despite opposition from some residents and city officials, Elks members here may soon be able to stay at their watering hole a bit later on weekends.

This week, the Planning Commission approved a resolution extending hours of operation for Elks Lodge No. 1474 at 200 Marina Blvd. until midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Closing time is currently 10:30 p.m.

The decision came despite city staff recommending denial of the new use permit because of ongoing noise complaints, a lack of acoustic testing by the Elks, and the additional strain the extension is expected to place on police patrols.

Commissioners restricted alcohol service and live music after 11:30 p.m. and required that doors in the back of the building remain closed during events and have alarms.

The 4-2 decision came after a spirited debate at Tuesday's meeting and in previous months, as residents who live just feet away complained about noise and public intoxication from the lodge — issues they believe could worsen with longer hours. Concerns about noise prompted opposition to the lodge before it was approved in 2004 and built in 2006.

"I don't think anybody's satisfied other than the Elks," said Ron Johnson, an attorney representing Marina Park residents Leslie and Adraine Trapp. Johnson says the lodge "invaded" the residential area, and its members have "never reached out to rectify the problem."

The decision will be appealed to the City Council, Johnson said. The appeal, which must be filed within 10 days of the commission's decision, would delay extension of the hours until the council resolves the matter.

Proponents of the extra hours — mainly Elks members — said the lodge should be open as late as similar venues with assembly halls near Pittsburg neighborhoods, such as Pittsburg Yacht Club and Mehran restaurant, for the club's financial well-being. The additional hours also make the lodge a viable option for events like weddings, said Ralph Ramirez, speaking on behalf of the Elks.

Further, Pittsburg gave incentives to the Elks to stay in the city and build at its current location, he said, adding that members met with the residential homeowners association before plans were approved and agreed to a Plexiglas wall outside the lodge to prevent noise.

The backyards of the Marina Park subdivision face a bay that ends at the lodge's patio. Sound tends to amplify over water.

The sound is "practically on their property line," Johnson said.

Some neighbors who opposed the extended hours were heckled by Elks members at the standing room only meeting.

Commissioners Bruce Ohlson and Larry Wirick voted against extending the hours, while Commissioner Doris Kelley recused herself from voting because of her Elks membership.

Commissioners A.J. Fardella, Caryn Wegerbauer and David Fogelman all voted in favor of the increased hours. All are either Elks members or spouses of members but said they were told by the city attorney that their affiliation did not pose a conflict of interest.

Contact Paul Burgarino at 925-779-7164. Follow him at Twitter.com/pittsburgarino

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