“Resolved: Restaurant, school conflict ends”

Resolved: Restaurant, school conflict ends

Blue Goose Kitchen and Bar, a high end restaurant in south Salinas, could open early next year after its owners and a neighboring school's officials reached an agreement in regards to alcohol sales.

The compromise was reached on the eve of Tuesday's Salinas City Council meeting where the restaurant's proposed conditional use permit to operate and serve booze was up for discussion and approval.

Montessori Learning Center had asked its supporters to voice their opposition to the council. But on Tuesday, school spokeswoman Julie Cavassa said the school withdrew its appeal and an agreement was signed Tuesday morning by all parties involved.

"I think this closes the book on this issue," said Chris Evans, property owner where the school and restaurant are located. "It wasn't easy, but I'm glad we were able to reach a compromise."

Construction to renovate the Blue Goose building, vacant for about two years after a Chinese restaurant closed, will take about 60 days, he said.

"The opening was set for the end of the year, but it's likely going to be early next year," Evans added.

Since July, officials from the Montessori Learning Center protested the proposed opening of the Blue Goose citing safety concerns for their about 50 elementary students.

The school and restaurant share a 75-vehicle parking lot and driveway on the corner of South Main and San Joaquin streets. The parking lot is also used by Taco Choice Mexican Food, which also serves beer and wine.

"We've been working on reaching an agreement for months," said Julie Cavassa, Montessori spokeswoman. "So, we're delighted."

According to the compromise, both school and restaurant owners agree to the city staff's recommendations to the City Council – except for a few changes in the permit restrictions.

Among the restrictions – which would be placed on any restaurant taking over the building, should Blue Goose leave – in the permit:

> Beer and wine may be served throughout the day, but only if accompanied with food. Sales may begin at 11 a.m. weekdays; 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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> Blue Goose may sell distilled spirits, or hard liquor, beginning 5 p.m. weekdays.

> No "happy hour" before 5 p.m. weekdays.

> A 10-seat bar may be open during the day, but only if food is served to customers.

> The restaurant operators have to promote a designated driver program and post

phone numbers of taxicabs in the premises.

> A minimum of two speed bumps will also be installed in the common driveways.

> Live entertainment may start at 6 p.m.

"The restaurant owners' vision was always to open a nice, family restaurant and not a [dive] bar," Evans said.

Blue Goose' owners Sean Murphy and local chef Todd Fisher, formerly of Old Town's Hullabaloo restaurant, have worked to turn the 1,459-square-foot eyesore into a high-end eatery and bar since spring 2009.

Montessori moved into its current building about two years ago and entered a 14-year lease. The school's opposition to Blue Goose stemmed from concerns expressed by parents and officials that students may "intermingle" with impaired drivers on the lot.

According to the city staff report, however, Blue Goose received broad support from city staff and local business representatives seeing a need for a high-end restaurant in south Salinas and that the safety concerns could be addressed.

The location of Blue Goose aligns with the Salinas General Plan, which designated the proposed site for retail use.

The Salinas Police Department also determined that the conditional use permit with its restrictions and conditions supported responsible alcohol-use service and minimized conflicts with the school.