BUSINESSMAN PROPOSES EVENTS HALL, WITH ALCOHOL.Byline: Holly Edwards Staff Writer NEWHALL - Faced with sharp opposition from the city and community, a local business owner has shelved plans for a nightclub at the old Plaza Cinema and now hopes to rent the space for special events. Alton Harding, president of Plaza Cinemas Entertainment, said Thursday he will present his new business plan - which includes opening the space for banquets, corporate parties, movie screenings, weddings and bar mitzvahs Bar Mitzvah (bärmĭts`və) [Aramaic,=son of the Commandment], Jewish ceremony in which the young male is initiated into the religious community, according to tradition at the age of 13 years and a day. - to the City Council on Nov. 28. ``After getting feedback from the community and city officials, I decided this was the best way to go,'' Harding said. ``We just want to do something that the community will embrace.'' In July, the Planning Commission Noun 1. planning commission - a commission delegated to propose plans for future activities and developments commission, committee - a special group delegated to consider some matter; "a committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours" - Milton Berle rejected Harding's request for a conditional use permit to operate a nightclub serving alcohol at the location after some community members complained it would lead to an increase of noise and loitering Loitering (IPA pronunciation: ['lɔɪtəˌrɪŋ] is an intransitive verb meaning to stand idly, to stop numerous times, or to delay and procrastinate. in their neighborhoods. Capt. Don Rodriguez, commander of the Santa Clarita Valley The Santa Clarita Valley is the valley of the Santa Clara River in Southern California. It stretches through Los Angeles County and Ventura County. Its main population center is the city of Santa Clarita. The valley was part of the 48,612-acre (19,672. sheriff's station, also told the commission that the nightclub would lead to an increase in underage drinking, crime and gang activity in the area. City planners said allowing a nightclub at the Lyons Avenue site would conflict with the city's general plan. Now, Harding is reapplying for a conditional use permit that would allow him to serve alcohol, but this time with a different kind of business in mind. The 5,000-square-foot facility would provide much-needed banquet A banquet is a large public meal or feast, complete with main courses and desserts. It usually serves a purpose, such as a charitable gathering, a ceremony, or a celebration. Sometimes a banquet consists of only desserts, but it is advisable to include main courses as well. and party space in the Santa Clarita Santa Clarita, city (1990 pop. 110,642), Los Angeles co., S Calif., suburb 30 mi (48 km) NW of downtown Los Angeles, on the Santa Clara River; inc. 1987. Situated in the Santa Clara valley and nearby canyons, Santa Clarita includes the former towns of Canyon Country, area, he added. ``A lot of residents have to leave the area to have wedding receptions and company parties,'' he said. ``This will give them a place right here to go.'' Harding said he has invested $250,000 of his own money in the business, and obtaining a liquor license Noun 1. liquor license - a license authorizing the holder to sell alcoholic beverages liquor licence license, permit, licence - a legal document giving official permission to do something is the key to his financial success there. In January, Harding opened Dance Club 2000, an 18-and-over club that does not serve alcohol, just so he could ``pay the bills,'' he said. ``The amount of personal funds I've invested makes me very nervous and I'd really like the community to accept us,'' he said. City officials declined to comment on the plan until it was presented in writing. |
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