By Michelle McKenna
Staff Writer
HotDoggers is a proposed skate-and-surf-themed restaurant that is appealing to the city of Manhattan Beach to operate 24 hours a day and serve alcohol. The bar would be located six blocks from Pacific Elementary School in a residential area, causing unrest among community members.
The city should not accept HotDoggers’ appeal and should demand that it meets all city ordinances before opening.
HotDoggers is to be located at 1605 Sepulveda Blvd., where Glacier Ice Cream and Gelato used to be previously. The proposed location is too small and provides easy access for drunk drivers to leave using residential streets, creating a danger for residents.
In addition, HotDoggers is appealing to operate 24 hours a day, with the patio operating 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday through Saturday. It will also serve alcohol from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., play “low-level” background music, have a “take-out” operation with the option of sit-down service, and provide outside waiting/seating areas
Manhattan Beach residents have petitioned the city council to reject the appeal requested by HotDoggers owner Sandy Saemann. Though the patio itself does not present problems, in addition to extended hours where alcohol is served, safety and noise become problems for the community.
Although HotDoggers claims it is a family-friendly establishment, if the appeal is granted, HotDoggers could attract a rowdy, late-night crowd by serving alcoholic beverages and allowing patrons to rent the outdoor patio any day or night of the week, creating conditions unfit for an establishment so close to school and residential areas.
There must be balance between business and residential goals. However, nothing about the dismissive comments submitted by the applicant create a convincing case that HotDoggers would be a family-oriented establishment.
To create this friendly atmosphere, HotDoggers must reduce its requested business hours and remove the patio, thereby reducing risk, impact and noise.
Recently, it was discovered that HotDoggers failed to notify a third of the residents within the required 500-foot radius of the project site.
According to HotDoggers’ “Protest to Oak Street,” (their formal rebuttal against residents’ petition), they do not believe anyone living on Elm Avenue has a right to petition their requests, which has created a justifiably negative view of HotDoggers in residents’ eyes.
This failure to notify community members creates negative signs of HotDoggers’ willingness to work with the community to create a safe environment.
A public hearing June 7 provided an opportunity for residents to voice concerns about opposition to the appeal. Although there were some residents and business owners who supported HotDoggers, the majority of attendees strongly disagreed according to meeting attendees. Even if HotDoggers’ appeal is accepted, the lack of community support could lead to bad business.
Hopefully, the city denies HotDoggers’ request. If not, and their proposed hours stand, the best solution is to relocate the venue to a downtown location to avoid further opposition.
If this isn’t possible, HotDoggers should no doubt look to improve its community image through local events and cooperation with residents to mitigate current opposition.
The existing restaurant and bar on Sepulveda Ave., Mr. Pockets, is a prime example of an establishment that complies with Manhattan Beach city law while serving families, too. If HotDoggers could change their image to better appeal to the family crowd and placate those who they have troubled thus far, HotDoggers could find a successful niche in Manhattan Beach dining.
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