08 C14-2025-0080 - 1811 East Cesar Chavez; District 1 - Neighborhood Letter — original pdf

Backup

January 12, 2026 RE: E. 1st Street Grocery, 1811 E. Cesar Chavez Street; C14-2025-0080 Dear Planning Commission and City Staff, On behalf of the East Cesar Chavez Neighborhood Plan Contact Team (ECC-NPCT), I am writing to share our perspective regarding East 1st Street Grocery’s request to rezone a portion of its property at 1811 E. Cesar Chavez Street to CS-1 for use as a liquor store. Members of the ECC-NPCT have engaged in extensive dialogue with the property owner and their representatives to discuss both the potential benefits and impacts of the proposed rezoning. Through these conversations, the ECC-NPCT has come to believe that, if appropriately conditioned, the project has the potential to deliver neighborhood benefits, including improved site design, increased coordination with safety and improvement efforts, and greater alignment with broader planning goals for the area. Based on this understanding, the ECC-NPCT supports the proposed rezoning in principle, subject to final agreement on site design and operational conditions. This support is offered with the clear understanding that the CS-1 zoning would apply only to approximately 1,000 square feet dedicated to liquor store use, not to the remainder of the property. The ECC-NPCT and the applicant share a vision for a vibrant, walkable, pedestrian-oriented corridor that supports small, locally serving businesses while remaining compatible with surrounding residential uses. As part of this shared vision, there is alignment on supporting the long-term goal of making the alley behind East 1st Street Grocery a safer, more pedestrian- and bicycle-oriented space. The ECC-NPCT intends to continue working collaboratively with the applicant to ensure that the site plan and redevelopment do not negatively impact neighboring properties or the alley project. Conditions under discussion include, but are not limited to: ● Taking reasonable measures to orient parking and vehicular circulation to minimize impacts on adjacent properties and the alley ● Coordinating with nearby neighbors on surface treatments, including consideration of alternatives to traditional asphalt or concrete ● Improved lighting designed to enhance safety and neighborhood aesthetics ● Landscaping at the rear of the property to provide screening and visual buffering ● Protections related to noise, trash, and loitering to minimize impacts on nearby residences ● Proposed hours of operation of 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, with closure on Sundays and major holidays ● A commitment that the CS-1 zoning will not be used for on-premise alcohol consumption (such as a bar, lounge, or cocktail use) without a separate agreement with the neighborhood, including additional sound and operational considerations 08 C14-2025-0080 - 1811 East Cesar Chavez; District 11 of 2We appreciate the Planning Commission’s consideration of this request. The ECC-NPCT views this proposal as an opportunity to explore how carefully conditioned rezonings can support neighborhood planning objectives while maintaining compatibility with surrounding uses. Final terms will continue to be refined ahead of City Council consideration. Sincerely, Eric Pace, Chair East Cesar Chavez Neighborhood Association & Plan Contact Team 08 C14-2025-0080 - 1811 East Cesar Chavez; District 12 of 2