Peet's coffee lovers didn't win, but they didn't actually lose either.
According to the Marin IJ, a decision to amend the local zoning ordinance to allow a 'formula retail use' was put off until January, 2010. Although the City Council postponed a decision on whether or not to allow the popular coffee chain into the historic waterfront, they did allow residents a chance to have their say at the Tuesday evening hearing.
Peet's Coffee and Teas has been trying to take up residence in a long abandoned former coffee shop down on Bridgeway. Northpoint Coffee Company, the previous owner and not a chain establishment, went out of business in January.
However, since Peet's is a 'formula retail' or chain business, they aren't eligible to open a branch without amending the the zoning ordinance. In September, the Planning Commission voted to approve the Peet's proposal but referred the case to the City Council for further approval.
According to the IJ, the City Council indicated they would make a decision at their January 12, 2010 meeting. If they had decided against granting the amendment, Peet's would have had to wait an additional year before applying again.
If they do decide to grant Peet's the amendment, don't expect a cup of coffee from the Bridgeway location immediately. The property is not turn-key ready and requires some renovation work before the new Peet's would open for business.
Peet's Coffee and Teas already has eight other coffee shops and retail stores in Marin; two in Corte Madera, two in Novato and one each in San Rafael, San Anselmo, Mill Valley and Greenbrae.
It's clear that the Sausalito city council wants to ensure the property owner goes a year without a tenant, and those of us suckers who work in Sausalito another few months without guaranteed quality coffee. It's good to see that their "no chains" policy has filled Sausalito full of high-priced mediocre restaurants.
Posted by: mrfrosting | Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 08:31 PM
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Posted by: MARINALOBO | Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 08:51 PM