Comission Delays Decision on Controversial Starbucks Proposal

Amid outcry from residents and competing businesses, the Planning Commission Wednesday put off any decision to allow a Starbucks to open in place of the former Daily Grind on PCH.

Local independent coffee shop owners and residents were there to speak out against the proposed project, with all four speakers on the subject mentioning parking while talking to the committee.

Joann Adams owns Bogart’s coffee house and gathered signatures against the project in a petition first organized by another local coffee shop owner, Rob Jahncke of Javatini’s.

“As an entrepreneur, I don’t like to squash entrepreneurial spirit, but parking is a challenge in that center.” Adams said, “A 24-hour facility would be an extreme inconvenience to the residents around that area.”

Jahncke presented his petition with over 250 signatures informally to the council, as no person on behalf of Starbucks was there to speak to its defense. 

Community Development Director Jim Basham said “We are recommending the denial of Starbucks moving into the structure.”

In it’s application for the permit, Starbucks requested permission to extend the already built driveway, but the council voted 5-0 that as the plans stand, an extended driveway would create parking issues and traffic flow issues for vehicles in the shopping center.