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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2 Attch 5 Ltrs from Ted Hoffman, Jr 2/2/11DUBLIN BOWL 6750 Regional Street Dublin, Calif. 94568 (925) 828-7550 - fax (925) 829-3735 February 2, 2011 Memo To: City of Dublin Planning Commission Regarding: New bowling center Star Lanes Ladies and Gentlemen: My name is Ted Hoffman Jr., co-proprietor of Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl. I am writing you pertaining to a new bowling center that wants to be built just 2 blocks from my existing center. Back in December, I wrote a letter to Mayor Tim Sbranti and the members of the City Council, (copy enclosed) telling them what a hardship this would create for me. The late Earl Anthony and I have been good for the City of Dublin since 1980. Here are some of the concerns I have: • The City of Dublin cannot support 2 bowling centers (especially 2 blocks apart). • Parking will be a problem based on their occupancy - why should they get a variance for their parking. • The city should stay neutral and not offer financial support - this puts me at a disadvantage. (City's payment of $45K on behalf of Bratts Entertainment to the DSRSD for the hookup fees.) • That building is too large for that site. Not enough parking spaces. With 16 lanes and 5 bowlers per lane, that's 80 people, plus other customers in the sports bar and restaurant. Where do they park? There should not be any special concessions. They should live up to the same standards as others. • Other businesses in Dublin have had shared parking issues, and the majority do not work. In this case Rigatoni's Restaurant will have a problem in tlje evenings and weekends. Please review these issues and concerns that I have. I plan on attending the planning meeting this Tuesday, February 8'", to voice my feelings. If you have any further questions of me, please contact me at Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl, 925-828-7550. Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns. Sincerely, Ted Hoffman Jr. Co-Proprietor ATTACHMENT 5 cc: Planning Commission Members: Alan Brown Bill Schaub Doreen Wehrenberg Tara Bhuthimethee Sean O'Keefe Mayor Tim Sbranti Kasie Hildenbrand, Vice Mayor Don Biddle, Council Member Kevin Hart, Council Member Eric Swalwell, Council Member Joni Pattilio, City Manager Chris Foss, Assistant City Manager Linda Maurer, Dir. Economic Development ? Susie Anthony, Co-Proprietor fob ?a rg? DUBLIN BOWL Sy 6750 Regional Street Dublin, Calif. 94568 (925) 828-7550 - fax (925) 829-3735 December 1, 2010 Mr. Tim Sbranti, Mayor City Hall Office 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, Ca. 94568 Dear Mayor Sbranti: My reason for writing you is regarding the possibility of a new bowling center coming to Dublin. I am familiar with the national chain of new fun entertainment centers (F.E.C.) being built throughout the country. They go under the name of Lucky Strike's or Strikes. These F.E.C.'s are usually built In high density locations in major downtown cities. They usually have some of the following activities; sports bar, restaurant, arcade (with redemption), pool tables and between 16-20 bowling lanes. In addition, they might have a private room that consists of 4-6 lanes, bar, couches and TV screen, which they rent out by the hour. 1 have visited some of these facilities in downtown New York City, Chicago and San Jose. They start out with no leagues, just open bowling, birthday parties, corporate parties and fundraisers. They are normally busy on Friday and Saturday (weekends) and slow during the week. Some of them are now forming weekday leagues and a few have closed down. I understand that someone has approached our city regarding opening up a F.E.C. in the old Good Guys location, which is just 2 blocks away from our bowling center on Amador Plaza Road. if they build this facility it would kill my business. Even though we are a traditional center, 55% of my business comes from open bowling, birthday parties, corporate parties, tournaments and fundraisers. The other 45% of my bowling business comes from adult, senior and youth leagues. In addition, we work closely with the Dublin Schools, with our free student summer pass, and Las Positas College Bowling Club. This is the part of our business that would be extremely hit. I know that they turned in an application, but I am extremely concerned, if approved, how much business I would lose. Things are tough enough with the way the economy is today and It will continue for a few more years. Our bowling center opened up in November of 1977, and there was another 40 lane center built in 1978 (Amador Valley Lanes) on Dougherty Road. Both centers could not survive and fortunately for us they sold the property, which is now an automotive center. Over the past 33 years we have been a good tenant for the City of Dublin. We have partnered with many schools and organizations In promoting a fun, recreational program, plus we have supported them financially throughout those many years. At this time I am asking you to support me and my business by not allowing another bowling center to be built in our fine city. Please let me know what steps I can take regarding this unpleasant situation. Thank you for your support and guidance. ely yours, Sincea?v? Ted Hoffman, Jr. President, Co-Proprietor Cc: Kasie Hiidenbrand, Vice Mayor Don Biddle, Council Member Kevin Hart, Council Member Eric Swalwell, Council Member Joni Pattillo, City Manager Chris Foss, Assistant City Manager Linda Maurer, Dir. Economic Development Susie Anthony, Co-Proprietor Revised 02/01/11