Sage, Aaron E. - Berkeley, California · 2/14/2013 · Sage, Aaron E. From: susan black...

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Sage, Aaron E.

From: susan black [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 3:16 PMTo: Sage, Aaron E.Subject: 2000 San Pablo

Hello, I live on the 2000 block of 10th St and just found out, from a local merchant, about the 7-11 plans. I am very, very concerned for a myriad of reasons. The first and foremost that this is totally inappropriate for the site.Next the issue of ruining the ethnic food scene here and taking business from the existing family owned stores. Also of major concern is the store being open 24/7 with an ATM machine. There are no stores open all night in this neighborhood and it can only bring trouble for all of us living here. I would like more information about this proposed project and where it now stands in the permitting process. As I plan to take this to the West Berkeley blog sites I would like to know that my information is accurate. Feel free to e-mail me or call me at 510-548-3346 Thank you, Susan M Black 2016 10th St.

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Sage, Aaron E.

From: susan black [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, November 19, 2012 10:15 AMTo: Sage, Aaron E.Subject: More on 7-11

Good Morning Aaron, On Friday a member of the University Merchants Association and I canvassed the merchants on the 2000 block of San Pablo. They are uniformly opposed to the 7-11 locating on the corner. I think the reason most mentioned should be considered by Planning as this moves forward. The merchants see a 7-11 as a cheapening of the street and one that will keep customers away. The second objection is that it will hurt business in every way possible. And finally everyone is adamant that no alcohol ever be sold and that if the store does locate there it not be allowed the variance to be open 24/7.As you know, the University Ave. Merchants are in opposition to this project as well. There is opposition to the placing of a store that specializes in junk food in this area. It surely does not fit with the "green" stance the city is always touting. There is inadequate parking on the street for existing businesses and the lot in back of the property is shared by other businesses and has only on entrance/exit onto University. Traffic in the area is already congested and dangerous to pedestrians and cars alike. 7-11 specializes in quick in and out consumers and this will be more burdensome to the already difficult traffic pattern. I count over 17 varied ethnic restaurants within this area. As you know the area has been designated by the city as the "Ethnic Food District" and we have seen a large number of new restaurants, of different ethnic cuisines, open in the last two years. All are family or individually owned and all are holding their own. There are two full service(butcher) Latin American supermarkets, three Middle Eastern full service markets, a very successful cafe, a famous cheese store. The neighborhood shops on this street, eats on this street and visits on this street. No one I have spoken with can see any advantage to the neighborhood of adding a 7-11 but many potential disadvantages. I need some clarification on how the process will go forward. I understand that no action is needed for a retail store to open where one has already existed and that the issue here is length of operation and change of site. Is planning willing not to recommend this project to the Zoning Board based on the opposition I have laid out and if you are planning on doing this? I am hopeful that the city will listen to those who live and work here. Thank you, Susan Black

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Blount, Terry

From: Carol Denney [[email protected]]Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 12:55 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: Zoning Adjustments Board re 7-11 application

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Jacob, Melinda

From: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB)Subject: FW: Use Permit #12-10000041

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 10:09 PM To: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) Subject: Use Permit #12-10000041

Zoning Adjustments Board City of Berkeley c/o Permit Service Center 2120 Milvia Berkeley, CA

I write in support of the application for a 24-hour 7-11 Market at 2000 San Pablo, Berkeley. I believe that the convenience of a 24-hour market that does not sell alcohol would be a befit to our neighborhood. I would not support this application if it included a license to sell alcoholic beverages in any form as there already are too many licensed establishments in close proximity.

John Magruder 1625 Curtis Street Berkeley, CA 94702

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Blount, Terry

From: Dard Hunter [[email protected]] on behalf of Dard Hunter [[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2013 12:52 AMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: 7-eleven on San Pablo

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Jacob, Melinda

From: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB)Subject: FW: No 24 hour store at San Pablo and University

From: Erin Fleming [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 2:56 PM To: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) Subject: No 24 hour store at San Pablo and University

Hi there, I am a homeowner and parent in the neighborhood of the proposed 7-11 store on San Pablo Ave in Berkeley. Please do not allow a 24-hour open store there. Thank you, Erin Fleming

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Jacob, Melinda

From: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB)Subject: FW: 2000 San Pablo Avenue

From: Chadidjah McFall [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 12:52 PM To: Blount, Terry; Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) Subject: 2000 San Pablo Avenue

Chadidjah McFall 1117 Addison Street #1 Berkeley, CA 94702 January 14, 2013

To: Zoning Adjustments Board Attn. Terry Blount Dear Mr. Blount, Please see that copies of this letter are provided to all members of the Zoning Adjustments Board. I am writing this letter to oppose Use Permit #12‐10000041 "to allow a retail convenience market with (1) 24‐hour operations, (2) a conversion (change of interior lease spaces) greater than 5,000 sq. ft. and (3) an indoor Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)." I oppose the ZAB granting Ms. Katy Schardt or the business she represents‐‐Seven‐Eleven‐-any of these three things. Ms. Schardt made it clear to the many community members opposed to a Seven‐Eleven coming into 2000 San Pablo Avenue who were gathered at a meeting at 2000 San Pablo Avenue on January 8, 2013 that the business intends to sign a 20‐year lease but refuses to put in writing that it will not, in the future, apply for a permit to sell alcohol at the site. This is unacceptable. Further, Ms. Schardt made it clear that at this site, Seven‐Eleven, owned by a major corporation, will present a lethal threat to the independently‐owned businesses already thriving in and serving the neighborhood, such as Mi Ranchito and Mi Tierra, by selling "healthy food"‐‐though not necessarily organic food or food free from GMOs--such as packaged salads and sandwiches. Mi Ranchito and Mi Tierra are already providing authentically healthy food, but Seven‐Eleven will be in a position to destroy these businesses with a price war, the way Starbuck's destroys independently‐owned coffee shops. This neighborhood is home to many thriving small businesses, and there are vacant spaces into which more independently‐owned business can move‐‐but many such businesses will not risk moving into a neighborhood that is near a Seven‐Eleven. I've lived in the neighborhood near the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and University Avenue for 25 years and‐‐like the majority of my neighbors‐‐I love our independent businesses and want more of them. None of us wants to see our neighborhood turned into something resembling a strip mall, which is what will happen if Seven‐Eleven comes in and makes the area friendly only to other businesses that are part of large chains.

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Long‐term residents of the neighborhood like me are also concerned that a 24‐hour business at 2000 San Pablo Avenue will be a magnet for criminals, alcoholics, and other substance abusers. This area has always been such a magnet, as have other nearby businesses like as Bing's Liquors and Popeye's, which are also on San Pablo Avenue. You have only to check the record of police calls to these businesses‐‐or ask their immediate neighbors. Ms. Schardt stated that Seven‐Eleven will definitely employ no security guard. Thus, the police protection available to residents of the surrounding neighborhoods will be diminished whenever Seven‐Eleven employees have to call the police. I hope you are aware of the fact that when Telegraph Avenue merchants requested permission of the Planning Commission to remain open 24 hours, the Berkeley Police Department was opposed to such permission for precisely this reason--that too few officers are serving the need and right of Berkeley residents for police protection already. I was present at the Planning Commission meeting at which this was stated, and I know it to be true. Please pay attention to the concerns of the overwhelming majority of Berkeley residents who live near 2000 San Pablo Avenue site and do not allow this destructive business to have this use permit. Thank you for your attention, Chadidjah McFall

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Jacob, Melinda

From: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB)Subject: FW: Regarding the proposed 7-eleven on San Pablo

From: David Hunter [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, February 04, 2013 3:41 PM To: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) Subject: Regarding the proposed 7-eleven on San Pablo To whom it may concern, I'm the owner of the Local Office co-working space above Cafe Local 123. Some of our coworkers have voiced concern about having the 7-eleven open 24 hours as there is already concern about crime in the area in the late evenings when some people leave the office. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Best regards, David Hunter -- linkedIn

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Jacob, Melinda

From: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB)Subject: FW: 7-Eleven Proposed for San Pablo and University

From: Anna Lappé [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2013 9:34 PM To: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) Subject: 7-Eleven Proposed for San Pablo and University As a relatively new homeowner in the West Berkeley community, I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed 7-Eleven on San Pablo and University. I am concerned about the impact of this store on neighborhood health and safetly. I think that the corner of University and San Pablo needs to be developed, but with local businesses, not a 7-Eleven. I know the petitioners for this license have said they plan to implement safety systems, but regardless, a 24-hour store will undoubtedly increase the potential for criminal activity at all hours, in this neighborhood with many families. In additon, although this franchise is currently not seeking a liquor license, most 7-Elevens do carry alcohol and this one could obtain a liquor license at any time (http://www.7-eleven.com/Additional-Products/Alcohol-Tobacco/Default.aspx). As you well know, the neighborhood already has plenty--in my opinion, too many--liquor stores. Finally, there are already three 7-Elevens in the city of Berkeley, the closest one is just 0.7 miles away (at Sacromento and San Pablo). Anna Lappé West Berkeley, CA Anna Lappé | Director and Co‐Founder Food MythBusters + Small Planet Institute + Small Planet Fund [email protected] + 917.476.4896 Food MythBusters is a new initiative to spread the real story of our food with creative movies, an online action center, and grassroots events. Together, we can grow the movement for sustainable food and farming around the country and around the world. You can find our movies at foodmyths.org, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

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Jacob, Melinda

From: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB)Subject: FW: 7 eleven

‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ From: Laurin Vincent [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2013 9:20 PM To: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) Subject: 7 eleven Please please please do not allow the 7 eleven to move in at San Pablo and university. We don't need another convenient store on San Pablo. Even if it doesn't sell alcohol. Especially open 24 hours a day!! Not a way to clean up the neighborhood. With all the liquor stores already on San Pablo there is always trash around that carries into our neighborhoods. Since the meeting is on valentines day, you may not have a lot of attendance but don't be deceived!! We don't want that!! Thank you for listening. Laurin Vincent Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse any misplelings.

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Jacob, Melinda

From: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB)Subject: FW: 7-Eleven on University and San Pablo

From: Ben Werdmuller [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2013 5:55 PM To: Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) Subject: 7-Eleven on University and San Pablo Dear all,

I have been made aware of plans to place a new 7-Eleven on the corner of San Pablo and University Ave. The way I was made aware was via an anonymous woman carrying a clipboard, who stopped me on the way back from lunch and asked me, "wouldn't it be great if there was a store here?" She was collecting signatures in support of a new general store. Well, yes, it would be nice to see it filled. But as I probed, it became apparent that the store was to be a 7-Eleven, and that this woman was affiliated. I pointed out that there was already a 7-Eleven on Sacramento. Yes, she indicated, there was one, all the way up there. But this would be the new kind.

I declined to sign for three reasons.

1: The way support for the store was gathered is disingenuous. 2: We do not need another 7-Eleven. There are numerous general stores in the area.

3: The neighborhood is undergoing a transformation. There is potential for an amazing store in the space; somewhere that people might gather, and that might directly benefit the community. 7-Eleven is not it. Please vote against the 7-Eleven. Please find a way to use the space to help fuel the vibrant community in west Berkeley. Kind regards, Ben Werdmuller -- Ben Werdmuller benwerd.com

+1 312 488 9373

February 7, 2013

To: the Zoning Adjustment Board

From: Berkeley Chamber of Commerce

Re: 1074 University Ave.

On February 14th the ZAB is considering the multi unit redevelopment at the difficult corner of

University and San Pablo. The developers and owners have spent two years fashioning a project that

pencils out and one that will help to brighten and rejuvenate the corner.

The Chamber is supportive of new businesses that are willing to bring vibrancy into economically

challenged areas. This project promises to bring 20 to 30 new jobs to Berkeley and is committed to hiring

with a local preference.

The Berkeley Police Department is supportive of the request for 24 hour service because they feel it will

have a positive effect on the safety of the area. Businesses and commercial life are more likely to thrive

when the issues of public safety are no longer a concern.

The applicant has worked hard with the neighbors, the police department, local schools and the local

YMCA. They are trying to be a part of the community that they wish to join.

The Berkeley Chamber believes that encouraging active businesses, adding jobs and improving public

safety are all positive contributions to our town. We support these efforts and encourage the Zoning

Adjustment Board to affirm this project that meets all City requirements.

Polly C. Armstrong, CEO

1834 University Ave.

Berkeley, Ca. 94703

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Blount, Terry

From: Drew Adamski [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 11:01 AMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: San Pablo/University 7-11

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From: Brandon E Curran [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 3:13 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: In favor of a new 7-11 in Berkeley

Mr. Blount, I am emailing you to let you know I am in support of this new 7-11, it will provide a safe reliable place for us to get food during our long study sessions. Thank you! Sincerely, Brandon Curran

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Blount, Terry

From: CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM GARDNER [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 12:26 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: Berkeley Resident - New 7-eleven

Mr. Blount, I'm Christopher Gardner, a Berkeley resident and university student. I have heard of the possibility of a new 7-eleven to be built on San Pablo and University, and I for one am thrilled. I have always wanted a 7-eleven near my apartment to help keep the corner safe and make getting a midnight snack so much more convenient. Kind regards, Christopher Gardner

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Blount, Terry

From: Chadidjah McFall [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 12:52 PMTo: Blount, Terry; Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB)Subject: 2000 San Pablo Avenue

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From: [email protected]: Monday, January 14, 2013 6:01 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: 7-11 @ the corner of San Pablo ave & University.

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From: Robert Potter [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 11:13 AMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: Operation of a new 7/11

Greetings Mr. Blount, My name is Robert Potter and I am a second year at Cal and a full time resident of Berkeley. I am expressing my support for the creation of a 7/11 at the corner of San Pablo and University. As a student, the increased affordable food would facilitate studying at all hours of the night, as well as result in a small but noticable increase in employment for fellow Berkeley residents through the construction and operation of the store. Thank you for your time -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Fredrick Potter University of California, Berkeley-Class of 2015 B.A. Molecular & Cell Biology [email protected] (714) 600-0260

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Blount, Terry

From: Tom Riis [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 3:19 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: 7 Eleven on San Pablo

Hello, I would just like to voice my support as a Berkeley resident of the 7 Eleven to be put in on San Pablo St. I think it would be a convenience to the community and students alike. Thanks for your time, Tom Riis

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From: Jabu Dayton [[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 6:12 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: Berkeley Resident

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Blount, Terry

From: Teran Faust [[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 12:47 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: New 7/11 in Berkeley

Hi my name is Teran, and I am a current resident of Berkeley. I am an advocate for this new 7/11 and would love to see it built. The San Pablo area is very dark and somewhat uncomfortable to be walking around at night, mainly because there aren't many lights or popular stores around there. A 7/11 would bring lots of customers to the area and improve the overall public safety of the area, attracting many Berkeley students as well as residents. It would be a convenient location to provide snacks and drinks to students who need a late night break from studying. The 7/11 on College Ave. is way too far away and in a less populated area. This new 7/11 on University would be a much more prosperous location, and would contribute a great convenience to the public. Thank you for your consideration, Teran Faust

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From: Michael Murphy [[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 6:42 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: 7-eleven in Berkeley

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From: [email protected]: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 5:14 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: 7-eleven on San Pablo and University

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From: [email protected]: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 7:38 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: 7-11

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1350 Bayshore Highway Suite 900 Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel (650) 348.2400 Fax (650) 347.4307 www.terranomics.com

Terry Blount, Secretary Land Use Planning Division 2120 Milvia Street, 2nd Floor Berkeley, CA 94704 Dear Mr. Blount, For approximately the last 18 months I have been the listing broker for the redevelopment of the property at 2000 San Pablo at the corner of University and San Pablo. Terranomics is the leading retail real estate brokerage firm in Northern California. I have used every possible avenue to market this property, with a strong emphasis on getting local tenants. My client, SKW Capital Management instructed me from the beginning to pursue local tenants even if it meant reduced rents, but we have received little interest except for the 7-11 which is being proposed. Given the many vacancies in the immediate trade area it is my professional opinion that the property would remain vacant for a substantial period of time if the 7-11 deal is not approved. Sincerely, Drew Greenspan Lic# 01447531

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Blount, Terry

From: Edward Huang [[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 9:25 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: 7-11 in Berkeley

Hi,

My name is Eddie Huang and I would like a 7-11 to be placed on the corner of San Pablo and University. As a student at UC Berkeley, I see many advantages of having a new 7-11 there. Often times, my friends and I are within the area and would love to purchase late night snacks at a convenient location.

Eddie

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From: Forrest [[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 10:49 AMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: 7-Eleven: San Pablo Ave

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From: Charles Shirley [[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 6:45 PMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: New 7-eleven

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From: Orion Fulton [[email protected]]Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2013 11:43 AMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: Fwd: Delivery Status Notification (Delay)

Dear Terry, I sent this email to the ZAB on Wednesday. Google just notified me that it bounced back. Could you please include my comments (below) for the record and ensure the boardmembers receive it? Thank you so much, Orion

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Mail Delivery Subsystem <[email protected]> Date: Thu, Jan 17, 2013 at 11:24 AM Subject: Delivery Status Notification (Delay) To: [email protected] This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification THIS IS A WARNING MESSAGE ONLY. YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESEND YOUR MESSAGE. Delivery to the following recipient has been delayed: [email protected] Message will be retried for 2 more day(s) Technical details of temporary failure: The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect. Learn more at http://support.google.com/mail/bin/answer.py?answer=7720 [(0) cityofberkley.info. [216.21.239.197]:25: Connection timed out] ----- Original message ----- DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed; d=gmail.com; s=20120113; h=mime-version:x-received:date:message-id:subject:from:to :content-type; bh=HOr/sUfBDW2pxPmpcLnbGEY6O2k7UqM+8JKYkAno30k=; b=wprMcVjoGD/CgHhl8DZMVONkXmoBUALIhY6Y/zwHREGidwVJDQhBrkheoWrUvYp6/k Zp2+Fhzb7rnrvulFOb6wmXDxpT+moUFodHsKBPf42aDVXbWVcdxc6D0FM9pYmAugqsSD CTteb60aoHhOeTPGaMVl/k2b8t8ZlzHi9MC1oCKidg8aH6DAzqqlB5Zri1m0WmarwOtV

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c8rrp40HvyATXSfUVucEse0RI5tZYAFB0uSXfrNQEWX+d0m5aXxeFuUv5Ehv6kl27gTb WHmdXxQZjn9zTERTxJdHVemNuBPpB7XX0genyk4FTfDx1rrGc2o09V4/d+cHdRo+D5Vz 4BTA== MIME-Version: 1.0 X-Received: by 10.14.2.196 with SMTP id 44mr4448376eef.25.1358357937878; Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:38:57 -0800 (PST) Received: by 10.14.190.13 with HTTP; Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:38:57 -0800 (PST) Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:38:57 -0800 Message-ID: <CAMF8pj4mAROXfyza7ZY51ZJeZd82iT07MAAOF_8T4CKS+ngCvw@mail.gmail.com> Subject: 7-11 From: Orion Fulton <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=047d7b6252365d75ab04d36b5afa Dear ZAB, I live at 9th and Addision. I respectfully submit the following comments for the record: 1. I am opposed to the 7-11 proposed for the corner of San Pablo Ave and University Ave. I want a local business that diversifies the retail options in the neighborhood, not one that takes revenues from existing locally-owned businesses like Mi Tierra, who are good community members. The prospective buyer of the building, SKW Capital, made claims at the January 8 community meeting that the firm has marketed the location far and wide, and this is the only tenant they can find. We urge the ZAB to question this specifically if it is under its perview. With such a prominent location I find it hard to believe there is no other takers. My email to [email protected] has gone unanswered. 2. Specifically, I strongly urge the ZAB to deny the request by 7-11 to operate 24 hours. This will promote loitering, littering, and may led to increased crime and has many of us worried in the neighborhood. While 7-11 has represented they would be a good community member, we are not convinced. A significant issue for the community--discussed over and over at the January 8 community meeting--is liquor sales. While 7-11 has represented they are not filing for a liquor license at this time, they refuse to commit in writing that they will not in the future. While this is their right, their lack of commitment has created significant community distrust. Please deny the request by 7-11 to operate 24 hours. The community will be adversely affected if 24 hour operation is allowed. The City of Berkeley can do better for its westside, the gateway to the City. I would appreciate confirmation the ZAB is in receipt of this email. Thank you, Orion Fulton 2111 9th St, Berkeley CA

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Blount, Terry

From: Brie Johnson Fulton [[email protected]]Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 9:05 AMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: Fwd: Delivery Status Notification (Delay)

Dear Terry, I sent this email to the ZAB on Wednesday. Google just notified me that it bounced back. Could you please include my comments (below) for the record and ensure the Board Members receive it? Thank you, Brie ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Mail Delivery Subsystem <[email protected]> Date: Thu, Jan 17, 2013 at 11:04 PM Subject: Delivery Status Notification (Delay) To: [email protected] This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification THIS IS A WARNING MESSAGE ONLY. YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESEND YOUR MESSAGE. Delivery to the following recipient has been delayed: [email protected] Message will be retried for 2 more day(s) Technical details of temporary failure: The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect. Learn more at http://support.google.com/mail/bin/answer.py?answer=7720 [(0) cityofberkley.info. [216.21.239.197]:25: Connection timed out] ----- Original message ----- DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed; d=gmail.com; s=20120113; h=x-received:mime-version:from:date:message-id:subject:to:cc :content-type; bh=XPg/9lfd/EKYzlYWozt79zvyudaGWbMGmFLH10/sTBw=; b=nIlzm+JBMJzfSvgKbJgOege/ZQT55RiBbCh/9ORbM8F1OMVG5UiBqf3cw9YJL29L7L xOaQt7ewZ9qyA/U9RDknueQyRFFvw7R9NSDt2fs9pULophV+zBKbLHaMyhMstPri5n04 vE+VQZuDKY7lP65ZfRpqoGiWSamBPAdO0OZ5wr4J13W2HInQ15l9moGhD3ndB1RI1xsw YRwJaN8Eox+LYyimjMh4P0C6zbkd+wNjhroHFqc3mskcPabQc32id6r8uZ/jgqefs+WC Z8WABuwVhNUqhMDJV07+ocbc8lrVquYf+5Crlny4AvhTC8qsp2dO++KDBHeqwiTM5CYR

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+6EA== X-Received: by 10.182.227.33 with SMTP id rx1mr2909217obc.69.1358399972525; Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:19:32 -0800 (PST) MIME-Version: 1.0 Received: by 10.60.144.101 with HTTP; Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:19:12 -0800 (PST) From: Brie Johnson Fulton <[email protected]> Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:19:12 -0800 Message-ID: <CABCWj8zVfED1xUnu8BzTx9LAzDkY6SgA44gCUJJ=qmYzwWsvUw@mail.gmail.com> Subject: Please Deny 7-11's Application for 2000 San Pablo To: [email protected] Cc: Orion Fulton <[email protected]> Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=f46d0444741fd346da04d3752347 Dear Zoning Authority Board, I urge you not to approve the 24-7 operating hours proposed for the store. Actually I oppose the entire development, but since this is the issue for consideration on the agenda, I want to bring attention to it first. Statistically, 24-hour operation encourages crime in areas, and this is something that specific area is very vulnerable to given that it wasn’t too long ago it occurred with much more frequency. Community members worked very hard over many years to eliminate crime from that exact area and it is just becoming healthier. This operation would threaten to negate the hard work of the community to make the area safer and more enjoyable for everyone. This area is blossoming into a rich community representing the diversity of the people that live here embodying what I’ve always perceived the spirit of Berkeley to be. The 7-11 does not reflect the atmosphere that people have worked very hard to create over the years . Furthermore, it could pose as a negative threat and compete with stores like Mi Tierra and Mi Ranchito who sell similar items. It is certainly not needed, especially given that there is one only five blocks away at Sacramento and University. The 7-11 representatives refuse to commit to *not* applying to a liquor license in the future, making it highly likely that they will do just that even if they’re not applying for one now. I’m a relative newcomer to the area who bought a house with my husband at 9 th and Addison a couple of years ago. One of the main things that attracted me to the area was what I saw on the University and San Pablo corridor. Locally owned stores such as Mi Tierra, Country Cheese, Local 123, the Middle East Market and Lanesplitter are examples of businesses that reflect both the diversity of a thriving neighborhood that has seen its share of problems and is beginning to rise out of them and come into its own. My husband, a native of Berkeley, and other community members confirmed my

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-- Brie Johnson Fulton

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Blount, Terry

From: Shaun Barraca [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, January 07, 2013 11:00 AMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: public comment about proposal for new 7 Eleven at corner of San Pablo and University

Dear Zoning Commission: I'm Shaun Barraca. I live in Area 1, at 1132 Francisco Street, Apt. C. I am very strongly opposed to the proposal to open a 7 Eleven at the corner of San Pablo and University. Our community is now organizing a petition to fight back against this. We, the community, who actually live here and are forced to bear the social costs of whatever decision is made, demand that this decision be made by us. Sincerely, Shaun Barraca

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Blount, Terry

From: Jodi Ravel [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, January 07, 2013 10:31 AMTo: Blount, TerrySubject: NO new 7 Eleven on University & San Pablo

Hello. I am writing to state my extreme protest to allowing a 7 Eleven to open on the corner of University and San Pablo. Come on... we already have one 7 eleven on Sacramento and University, a few small blocks up the street. We absolutely DO NOT NEED another one nearby. The new building on the corner of University and San Pablo was well done, and can hold high quality tenants that will add to the value of the neighborhood, not cheapen it. That whole area is starting to come alive with bars, restaurants, etc. so why would city planners want a cheap store there? This is Berkeley - allow artisans, new media there. PLEASE choose quality and value over... over... the cheap worthless alternative. Thank you. Jodi Ravel

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Blount, Terry

From: Thomas Yamaguchi [[email protected]]Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 3:47 PMTo: Blount, TerryCc: Moore, DarrylSubject: proposed 7-Eleven at 2000 San Pablo Avenue

Dear Zoning Adjustments Board:

On January 8, my neighbors organized a meeting with the property owner of 2000 San Pablo Avenue and a representative of 7-Eleven Stores regarding the proposed 7-Eleven for that location. The meeting was held at the proposed store site. Unfortunately, I had to arrive late from a previously scheduled appointment. I did get a chance to hear all the concerns that were voiced by my neighbors, as well as the thoughtful and objective input of Berkeley Police Officer Cesar Melero, our outgoing area coordinator. Officer Melero’s observations are used in Chief Meehan’s report on security issues at 2000 San Pablo Avenue. I appreciate the work of our Berkeley Police in addressing our neighborhood concerns for this project. I understand the ZAB hearing on 2000 San Pablo has been rescheduled for February 14. I plan to attend that meeting, but I would like to submit these comments in advance.

I would like to see more businesses locating at University and San Pablo. The building across San Pablo on the east side is also vacant. In considering whether a 7-Eleven store is right for this location, I first need to consider if this will be a pedestrian-oriented or a car-oriented business. Other 7-Eleven stores I have seen are car-oriented. They are usually in a strip mall with a parking lot in front of the entrance. I was relieved to discover that the entrance for this store is at the sidewalk on San Pablo, instead of the parking lot behind the building. I agree with Chief Meehan that the door to the parking lot be used as an emergency exit only. That doorway is not wheelchair accessible, anyway. I believe that this 7-Eleven could be an improvement to the neighborhood if it incorporates the suggestions from Berkeley Police. If it does boost pedestrian traffic on San Pablo and University, it could improve safety and reduce crime, especially at night.

One area where I share the concerns of my neighbors is over the possible sale of alcohol. I was relieved to learn at the January 8 meeting that there are no plans to sell alcohol at the store. We are still troubled that the property owner refused to rule out any possible alcohol sales in the future. I am wondering what your board could do to ensure that no alcohol sales will allowed at 2000 San Pablo during the entire time it used as a 7-Eleven store.

I do not agree with my neighbors that this store would be out of character for the neighborhood or that it would cheapen the San Pablo/University business district. The proposed design looks better than the store that currently occupies the Elmwood business district. There also appears to be an interest in selling higher quality deli food, rather than just the “junk” snacks we usually associate with convenience stores. I believe that this 7-Eleven could fit very well with other food-oriented businesses nearby. There might even be enough interest to revive the International Food Festival that was held in previous years and ended due to budget cuts. 7-Eleven may even wish to make financial contributions toward future festivals.

I also disagree with my neighbors who said they would prefer a bank at that location. Ironically, one objection to 7-Eleven is the request to include an ATM. Bank of America, a number of blocks to the south, has its own problems with crime. I would feel safer using an ATM inside the proposed 7-Eleven than the ATM at Bank of America, which is next to the dark parking lot by Tenth and Parker.

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I know there is a resistance to fast food franchises in our neighborhood. We already have a Jack in the Box. We don’t need more car-oriented fast food restaurants here. Such operations generate litter and detract visually with bland-looking architecture.

I believe that if my neighbors can get beyond the preconceptions they have of 7-Eleven, they would see how this could be an improvement to the business district that will help generate more business for neighboring stores. Bringing more shoppers to San Pablo and University will help us keep the businesses that already located there, such as the family-owned restaurants and specialty grocery stores. We could make sure that 7-Eleven makes hiring local residents a priority. Increased sales tax revenues will be a benefit, as well.

There is no doubt that keeping buildings vacant has the opposite impact, more crime and less support for surrounding businesses. I am certainly not arguing that we should accept any applicant that wants occupy that location or that there might be an even better option, although the property owner says that only 7-Eleven has expressed interest. If it was another fast food franchise, I would be opposed to the development. Instead, I see this as a business I would be comfortable patronizing. I hope ZAB approves the project with the recommendations made by Berkeley Police.

Sage, Aaron E. - Berkeley, California · 2/14/2013 · Sage, Aaron E. From: susan black...

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