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Item 03 - 151 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Ste.C - Staff Report & Exhibits 1-6TOWN OF L OS GATOS ITEM NO: 3 CONSENT PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Me eting Date: S~tember 23, 2015 PREPARED BY : APPLICATIO N NO.: LOCATION: APP LI CANT/ CONTACT P ERSON: PROPERTY OWNER: Mami F. Moseley, Associate Planner mmo selev@lo s gatosc a .gov Conditi onal Use Permit Application U-15-007 15 1 N. Santa Cruz Avenue Suite C (Located on the west s ide of N. Santa Cruz Avenue at the terminu s ofRoyce Street) Wend y Edelstein Jim K. Liu APPLICATION SUMMARY: R eques ting approval to operate a personal service business (Bare Wax Lounge) o n property zo n e C-2 . APN 510-1 7-060. RECOMMENDATION : PROJECT DATA: CEQA: DEEMED COMPLETE: Jul y 22 ,2015 FINAL DATE TO TAKE ACTION: January 22, 2016 Approva l, subject to conditions. General Plan Designation: Central Business Di strict Zoning D esignati o n : C-2 Central Busines s Di stri ct Applicable Plans & Standards: None Parcel Size: 6,675 sq . ft. Surrounding Area: ~xi~tin g Land Use l Qen era l Plan _______ _l:o ni l!_g North Co mmercial I Central Business District I C-2 ... ..................................... ..., _______ , ___ .. ______________________________ , .................................. j. ...................... _______________ .......................................................................................... ---~------·---------··--·-· West Re s idential j Medium Density I R-1D : 1 Residential LHP ~~~!~-J[f~~~~~!-~t -·----....... ---+·§~~i~-~i-~-~~}~~~~gf~}~~~ ~--1 ~=~ - . I The project is Categoricall y Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environm ental Quality Act, Section 1530 I : Existing Facilities. Planning Commission Staff Report -Page 2 of 5 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue Suite C/U-15-007 September 23 , 2015 FINDINGS: CONSIDERATIONS: ACTION: EXHIBITS: BACKGROUND: • As required, pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, this project is Categorically Exempt, Section 15301: Existing Facilities. • As required by Section 29.20.190 ofthe Town Code for granting a Conditional Use Permit. • As required by Section IV .B of the Redevelopment Plan for the Central Lo s Gatos Redevelopment Project that it meets the use set forth in the Town's General Plan. None. The decision of the Planning Commission is final unless appealed within ten days. I . Location Map 2. Required Findings 3. Recommended Conditions of Approval 4. Letter of Justification (eight pages), received July 20, 2015 5. Letters of support (seven pages), received July 20, 2015 6. Floor Plans (one page), received July 20, 2015 The tenant space is located at the back of a building located on the west side of N. Santa Cruz A venue at the terminus of Royce Street. Victory Lane runs along the rear of the property. The tenants of the space over the last I 0 years have been various retailers ; most were short term uses of a year or less due to lack of visibility from N. Santa Cruz A venue. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A. Conditional Use Permit The Town Code was amended in 2004 to require a CUP for new personal service businesses within the C-2 zone. When reviewing a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), the deciding body should consider the information in the applicant 's business plan ; however, the key consideration should be the explicit proposed use since the business plan can change from owner to owner. The explicit use may be, and is often, defined in the recommended conditions of approval as a "use" condition. The CUP runs with the land, and the deciding bod y should review applications based on the explicit use as opposed to the applicant or the applicant's bu siness plan. Planning Commission Staff Report -Page 3 of 5 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue Suite C/U-15-007 September 23, 2015 B. Location and Surrounding Uses The project site is located on the west side of N. Santa Cruz at the terminus of Royce Street. Victory Lane runs along the rear of the property. The properties to the north , south and east are commercial uses, and the properties to the west are single-family residenti al uses. C. Zoning Compliance The zoning designation allows personal service businesses subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. ANALYSIS: A. Hours of Operation The applicant is proposing to operate from 10 a.m . to 8:00p.m. daily. B. Number of Stations/Services The applicant is proposing two waxing rooms along with a retail area and a waiting area s imilar to their Willow Glen location. The salon provides specialized waxing services only (Exhibit 4). C. Parking and Traffic The previous retail use and the proposed personal service use have the same parking and traffic generation rates , therefore, neither parking nor traffic will be impacted by the proposed application. Required parking is satisfied with o n-site spaces and spaces provided in the parking assessment district. D. General Plan The goals and policies of the 2020 General Plan applicable to this project include but are not limited to: • Policy LU-9.2 -Maintain a variety of commercial uses , including a strong Downtown commercial area combined with Los Gatos Boulevard and strong neighborhood commercial centers to meet the shopping needs of residents and to preserve the small-town atmosphere. • Goal LU-10-To preserve Downtown Los Gatos as the historic center of the Town with goods and services for local res idents while maintaining the existing Town identity, environment and commercial vitality. Planning Commission Staff Report -Page 4 of 5 151 N. Santa Cruz A venue Suite C/U-15-007 September 23 ,2015 E. Environmental Review The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15301 : Existing Facilities. F. Conditional Use Permit In order to grant approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Personal Service Business, the deciding body must make the following findings: (I) The proposed use of the property are essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare; and (2) The proposed use will not impair the integrity and character of the zone; and (3) The proposed use would not be detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare; and (4) The proposed use of the property are in harmony with the various elements or objectives of the General Plan and the purposes of the Town Code. In regards to the first finding, the proposed use would be considered desirable for public convenience of a personal service providing waxing only. As required by finding two , the proposed use would not take away from the retail oriented focus of the Central Business District in that the proposed tenant space is at the rear of building and does not front on North Santa Cruz A venue. In regards to the third finding , the salon would not be detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare because the proposed permit conditions regarding operating hours and maximum number of stations will mitigate potential impacts. In regards to the final finding, the proposed use is in harmony with the General Plan and Town Code as addressed in the preceding discussion. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Staff has not received any public comment at this time; however, the applicant has provided letters of support from the community (Exhibit 5). SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION: A. Summary Staff has recommended conditions of approval regarding the number of stations, clarification of allowed uses, and operating hours. Traffic and parking will not be impacted by the proposed use. Planning C ommiss ion Staff Report-Page 5 of 5 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue Suite C/U-15-007 September 23 ,2015 The Town Code was amended in 2004 by the Town Council to all ow s taff and the Planning Commi ssion to adequately as sess the impact of new pers onal service bus in esse s repl acing potential retail uses within the downtown . Due to the site 's location and lack of walkabl e street frontage , the findings for approval can be made. B. Recommendation Based on the analysis above, staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Pennit s ubject to the recommended conditions of approval. If the Planning Commiss io n find s merit with the proposed project, it should: I. Find that the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 1530 I : Existing Facilities (Exhibit 2); and 2. Make the required findings as required by Section 29.20.190 of the Town Code fo r granting approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Exhibit 2) (Note : if the applicatio n i s approved the findings for denial will be removed); and 3. Approve Conditional Use Permit application U-15-007 with the conditi o ns contained in Exhibit 3. If the Commission has concerns with the proposed use, it can: I. Continue the matter to a date certain with specific direction; or 2 . Approve the application with additional and/or modified conditions; or 3. Deny the application and make the required findings for denial (Exhibit 2) (Note: if the application is denied the provided findings for appro val would be remo ved from Exhibit 2 .) Prepared by: Marni F. Mo s eley, AI Associate Planner LRP:MFM:cg App~~( Laurel R. Prevetti Town Manager/ Co mmunity Devel o pment Director cc: Wend y Edelstein, 378 Santana Row Apt. 320, San Jose CA 95128 Jim Liu, 516 Zenith ridge Drive, Danville CA 94506 N :\DEV\R EPORTS\20 15\NSC-15 1-C.d oc This Page Intentionally Left Blank 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue Suite C EXHIBIT 1 This Page Intentionally Left Blank REQUIRED FINDINGS FOR: September 23, 2015 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Suite C Conditional Use Permit Application U-15-007 Requesting approval for a personal service business (Bare Wax Lounge) on property zoned C- 2. APN 510-17-060. PROPERTY OWNER: Jim K. Liu APPLICANT: Wendy Edelstein Required lmding for CEQA: FINDINGS • The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15301: Existing Facilities. Required finding for the Redevelopment Plan for the Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project Area: • That the proposed project is consistent with the Redevelopment Plan for the Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project Area (Section IV.B) in that the subject property is designated commercial and the proposed use falls under general commercial uses. Required findings for a Conditional Use Permit: • As required by Section 29.20.190 ofthe Town Code for granting a Conditional Use Permit: The deciding body, on the basis of the evidence submitted at the hearing, may grant a conditional use permit when specifically authorized by the provisions of the Town Code if it finds that: (1) The proposed use of the property is essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare in that there are no other waxing salons in Town which provide the type of services as the proposed use; and (2) The proposed use will not impair the integrity and character of the zone in that the proposed tenant space is at the rear ofbuilding and does not front on North Santa Cruz Avenue; and (3) The proposed use would not be detrimental to public health, safety, or general welfare in that the proposed permit conditions regarding operating hours and maximum number of stations and clarification of permitted uses will mitigate potential impacts; and ( 4) The proposed use of the property is in harmony with the various elements or objectives ofthe General Plan and the purposes of the Town Code. Required lmdings for Denial of a Conditional Use Permit: • The deciding body, on the basis of the evidence submitted at the hearing, may deny a conditional use permit for a personal service business if any of the following findings are made: EXHIBIT 2 ( 1) The proposed use of the property is not in harmony with specific provisions or objectives of the general plan and the purposes of this chapter; (2) The proposed use will detract from the existing balance and diversity of businesses in the commercial district in which the use is proposed to be located. (3) The proposed use would create an over-concentration of similar types of businesses, or; ( 4) The proposed use will detract from the existing land use mix and high urban design standards including uses that promote continuous pedestrian circulation and economic vitality. N:\DEV\FIN DIN GS\20 15\NSC·I 51-C.DO C RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL-September 23, 2015 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Suite C Conditional Use Permit Application U-15-007 Requesting approval for a personal service business (Bare Wax Lounge) on property zoned C-2. APN 510-17-060. PROPERTY OWNER: Jim K. Liu APPLICANT: Wendy Edelstein TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Planning Division I. APPROVAL: This application shall be completed in accordance with all of the conditions of approval listed below. Any changes or modifications made to the approved plans shall be approved by the Director of Community Development, the Development Review Committee, the Planning Commission, or Town Council, depending on the scope of the change(s). 2. EXPIRATION OF APPROVAL: The Conditional U se Permit will expire two years from the date of approval , unless it is used before expiration. Section 29 .20.335 defines what constitutes the use of an approval granted under the Zoning Ordinance. 3. HOURS OF OPERATION: Maximum hours of operation shall be 10:00 a .m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. 4. NUMBER AND TYPE OF STATIONS: There shall be no more than two waxing rooms/stations. 5. USES: The approved use is for a waxing salon with ancillary retail sales, and shall not permit hair, nails, massage or other personal services. 6. SIGN PERMIT: A sign permit is required for any new signs or any change of exi sting signs. 7. CERTIFICATE OF USE AND OCCUPANCY: A Certificate of Use and Occupancy must be obtained prior to commencement of use. 8. BUSINESS LICENSE: A business licen se is required from the Town of Lo s Gatos Finance Department prior to commencement of use . 9. TOWN INDEMNITY: Applicants are notified that Town Code Section 1.10.115 requires that any applicant who receives a permit or entitlement from the Town shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Town and its officials in any action brought by a third party to overturn, set aside, or void the permit or entitlement. This requirement is a condition of approval of all such permits and entitlements whether or not expressly set forth in the approval. N:\DEV\CONDITNS\20 15 \NSC-15 1-C.doc EXHIBIT 3 This Page Intentionally Left Blank r ; ( My name is Wendy Edelstein . I am an independent , small business owner who has built a successfu l boutique waxing salon in Willow Glen . I am now ~ ready to open a second location, and hope very much to make that downtown 2:: Los Gatos. I write to introduce myself and my business , and to apply for the W conditional use permit necessary to allow Bare Wax Lounge to open at 151 C ~ North Santa Cruz Ave . For all of the reasons stated be low, I believe that my 0:: business is a good fit for the Town , for the location , and will add to the vitality of the dow ntown business district. 1. Bare Wax Lounge is essential or desirable to the public c onvenience Or w elfare. Bare Wax Lounge is a boutique waxing salon which offers luxury, comfort, and style to its clients by providing a fully personalized waxing service (body hair removal). Our business model offers waxing only. By specializing in a s ingle service, we are able to create a comfortable, convenient and individualized experience that caters to the needs of each client. We strive to create an atmosphere that is relaxing, and dare we say, enjoyable. Each service may take anywhere between 1 0 and 50 minutes, is offered at a reasonable price , and may be taken advantage of by men and women. As a compliment to our waxing services, Bare Wax Lounge offers high quality retail products containing natural and soothing ingredients. This mix of retail and personal service allows us to design and create a spa-like experience in a small space. Bare Wax Lounge opened its first boutique in downtown Willow Glen in 2014 just off Lincoln Avenue , at the corner of Brace Street -one door down from the parking lot of the well-known La Villa delicatessen - a location almost identical to the alley off of North Santa C ruz Avenue near Mr. Pickles where we propose to open in Los Gatos. The Bare Wax Lounge boutique in Willow Glen occupies 500 square feet and is divided into a small reception area and two treatment rooms, allowing two clients to be seen at any given time. As soon as it opened, Bare Wax Lounge was a success in Willow Glen, growing from one (1) employee to seven (7), and continues to be well-received by its clients and the business community alike. We are proud to say that we have created a thriving synergy with La Villa, sharing customers and each business contributing to the success of the other. Now that it has come time to e xpand, we knew just the place -a charming downtown with a great atmosphere where our boutique and business model would thrive. As many of our current clients are Lo.s Gatos residents , we -and our clients-couldn't ask for a better fit. We look fci[Ward to becoming a contributing member of the Los Gatos community at large, and the business community in particular, as by continuing our Willow Glen practice of donat ing to local schoo ls and organizat ions , and fully pa rticipating in local business promot ions. EXHIBIT 4 cn z 0 0 o.L") ~- 0 (.')S!? C"'-1 en ~ 0 oo .....1(.') C'J u.z -.....1 o:z :::::> ~z """;) 0::5 t-Q. Waxing is in the growth stage of its industry life-cycle and is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.5% through 2017. The target market is expanding as women from teens to Baby Boomers integrate waxing into their regular beauty regimen . By bringing this specialized service to Los Gatos, Bare Wax Lounge w ill draw current clients to downtown, and attract new cl i ents who may already be in the area to shop or dine. We are confident that Bare Wa x Lounge will replicate the success it has had in Willow Glen in integrating its business with the existing downtown mix,· and contributing to the success of the surrounding retail and restaurant uses. In short , Bare Wax Lounge more than meets the firs t required f inding fo r g ranting a conditional use permit-it is "essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare ." 2. Bare Wax Lounge will not impair the integrity and character of the Zone. Bare wax Lounge, rather than impairing the central business district or the vitality and commercial mix along North Santa Cruz Avenue, will only enhance and improve the downtown area. In its Willow Glen location Bare wax Lounge has become a valued part of the community, and has contributed to the success of neighboring businesses by increasing customer counts and sales. As noted above, in its current Willow Glen location , Bare Wax Lounge is just off Lincoln Avenue , next to La V i lla delicatessen and two hair salons, Salon Fusion and Gloss Beauty Lounge-a mix almost identical to what would be created should the conditional use permit be granted in Los Gatos-a location just off North Santa Cruz Avenue, next to Mr. Pickles sandwich shop and a hair salon, Salon Mona Lisa. We are confident that , just as has occurred in Willow Glen, rather than creating a glut of personal service businesses , or detracting from the commercial mix on North Santa Cruz Avenue, Bare Wax Lounge will attract potential new retail customers to the area. With service times being short (an average of 30 minutes) Bare Wax Lounge will simply be a convenient stop along the way for its clients who, our experience has shown , will also patronize the surrounding businesses and thereby contribute to a successful downtown business climate . It is important to remember that per Section 29.60.320, personal service businesses are a permitted use in the central business district, when a condit ional use permit is granted. Because Bare wax Lounge is located j ust off North Santa Cruz, has adequate pa rking for the use proposed, and is a proven contributor to a successful downtown business mix, it will certainly not impair either the integrity or the character of the zone. 3. Bare Wax Lounge is not detrimental to public health, safety or Gen eral welfare. r' \ Bare Wax Lounge uses natural, organic and environmentally fr iendly products. We also are careful to follow best practices for safety in the waxing industry by assuring that our products and treatment regimens are safe and sanitary for all clients-as by insuring that wax used on each client is unadulterated and newly prepared for each patron. When inspected by the State Board of Cosmetology at our Willow Glen location this year, Bare Wax Lounge was found to be 100% compliant with all safety standards. In addition to client safety, Bare Wax Lounge is a quiet operat ion , has adequate allotted parking , and will be an asset, rather than a nuisance, to its particular location, as well as the downtown area . 4. Bare Wax Lounge is in harmony with the various elements or Objectives of the General Plan and Zoning Code. As stated above, personal services are a permitted use in the central business district. A conditional use perm it is appropriate here, where the proposed waxing boutique will be located off North Santa Cruz, will occupy a space which has proven to be a notoriously difficult to lease for retail uses , complies with parking requirements, and will contribute to the overall success and mix of businesses downtown. 5. Hazardous Waste Bare Wax Lounge prides itself in using natural, organic products that our both healthy and safe for our clients, but also environmentally safe. There are no hazardous waste products or unsafe chemicals that will be stored or used at our business. 6. End orsements Bare Wax Lounge is proud to be able to present letters from the following local business people, both in Los Gatos and Willow Glen , in support of this application for a conditional use permit: Exhibit 1: Exhibit 2: Exhibit 3: Exhibit 4: Exhibit 5 : Exhibit 6: Exhibit 7 : Landlord Alex Hult Salon Mona Lisa Mr. Pickles Fusion Hair Salon , Willow Glen Gloss Hair Salon La Villa Delicatessen Clearly, Bare Wax Lounge will be an asset to Los Gatos and meets all of the required f in dings for the granting of a conditional use perm it. Because Los Gatos Town Code requires additional findings for the granting of a conditional ..-· { use permit to personal service businesses seeking to open in the downtown area, those criteria are discussed below. A conditional us e permit f or a pe rs onal servi ce bu sin ess may be d eni ed i f any of th e following fin di ngs are made : 1. The propose d us e of th e prope rt y is not in harmo ny with the General Pl an or th e zoning co d e. As noted above, Bare Wax Lounge is a business use which is allowed under the specific zoning code provisions applicable to the central business district, and the proposed use is both permitted and in harmony with the provisions of that code and of the General Plan . 2. Th e proposed us e w ill detract f ro m th e existin g ba lance and di ve rsity Of bu sinesses i n th e co mm erc ial d istrict in which th e use i s Propo sed to be located. Bare Wax Lounge, as discussed above and as demonstrated in the letters of endorsement attached to this application, will be a welcome addition to the downtown area . In a very sim ilar location in Willow Glen, Bare Wax Lounge has contributed to the retail and restaurant mix by attracting new customers to the downtown area and creating a successful synergy among the businesses in its immediate vicinity. The Bare Wax Lounge boutique salon will not be located on the North Santa Cruz street-front , so will not detract in any way from the existing balance and diversity of those businesses. As indicated in the letter from Mr. Liu, the space Bare Wax Lounge p roposes to occupy has proven to be an unsuccessful retail location, as it is difficult to attract customers down the short a ll eyway - particularly when the stor efront of the location is virtually invisible from North Santa Cruz. By offering a new business model and new service to that particular location -along with an e x isting local clientele, Bare Wax Lounge will attract a new customer base , which its successful experience in Willow Glen has demonstrated , will add to the success of businesses in the area. The letters of support attached to this appl ication from our potential immed iate neighbors, M r. Pickles and Salon Mona Lisa, provide compell ing evidence that Bare Wax Lounge will be a much-welcomed addition to the downtown business mix. 3. Th e proposed use would create an over-concentrati on of similar Typ es of bu sin ess es. Curre ntly, there are no waxing salons or salons that focus solely on hair removal , in Los Gatos. It is important to understand and appreciate that a wax ing salon is entirely different from a hair or nail salon . Hair salons may serve a high (~ ( volume of clients for services which may range in time from an hour to two hours and more. They often have a number of chairs which are independently rented by stylists . The same is often true of nail salons . At Bare Wax Lounge, we perform only one service , w hich may be completed in as little as ten minutes . Our business is owned and controlled by a single, independent owner w ho oversees all aspects of the business operation. Clients may book services online , or walk in conveniently while doing other errands or enjoying downtown Los Gatos as a place to dine or shop. \t\lhile our proposed location is next to Salon Mona Lisa, that w ill not create an "over-concentration" of similar businesses, as the two businesses are not only unique as a function of the services each offers , but are also unique in that the Bare Wax Lounge business model focuses on a personalized , spa-like , yet fast and convenient treatment experience for its clients. A typica l Bare Wax Lounge client will be in and out of the boutique quickly and is likely to grab a bite at Mr. Pickles or stroll down North Santa Cruz for shopping. Finally, our proposed alley location allows us to be part of the North Santa Cruz Avenue commercial mix, while not occupying a North Santa Cruz Avenue storefront. Bare Wax Lounge will not in any way detract from the downtown vitality, charm , or experience. As has been more than amply demonstrated elsewhere in this application , it will enhance it. 4. The pro posed use w ill d etract fro m the exi sting land use mix An d hi gh urban design standards, inclu ding uses th at promote Continuo us pedestrian c irc ul ati o n and econo mi c vitality. Bare Wax Lounge will not detract from the existing downtown land use mix , as demonstrated above. Because we propose to move into an existing space and remodel only the interior to suit our business needs, we will not be altering the design of the existing building . Our proposed location in the alleyway off North Santa Cruz allows for unrestricted pedestrian traffic on North Santa Cruz, and our experience at our successful Willow Glen location has demonstrated that Bare wax Lounge actually encourages pedestrian traffic to neighbori~g businesses. In every aspect of this application process, Bare Wax Lounge has been ca reful to consult with Planning staff and to understand all the necessary prerequisites to obtaining a conditional use permit. As part of that process , we have discussed the Bare Wa x Lounge business model and proposed location with Economic Vitality Coordinator Monica Renn , who did not express any concerns with respect to either. / ( Bare wax Lounge is confident that it will be a full and welcome contributor to downtown Los Gatos and looks forward to the granting of its conditional use permit. Thank you for your time and consideration of this application . Wendy Edelstein, Owner ~~' al, ! ~ ~ u • ~ .. ·~= !I~ ~~ Ja ~ @ ~ Ul ~ 0 110(1 rtf) .UfWJA ,;tr NIO" :l<lfl ~ SII\WJN•• ~ 'l( ~ t ,. l.,. ....... ,., .. ,, ( 151 N. Santa Cruz Tenant History Blue Sky Gems, From 2004 to 2006 Gift Baskets, From 2006 to 2007 News Stand and Gift shop, From 2007 to 2007 (approximately 4 months) Bella Rosa Boutique (over stock) From 2007 to 2009 (never took possession of space) Designer shoes and clothing, From 2009 to 2010 Preston Jewelry, From 2011 to 2015 June 29, 20115 Planning Division 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, California 95030 Re : 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue RECEIVED JUL 2 0 Z015 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION I am the property owner of the commercial building at 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue. This build i ng is divided into three small spaces. The current tenants are Mona lisa Salon and Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop. The third space has been vacant for several months. Since acquiring this property in the early 1990's, it has always been difficult to lease the rear space. This particular space is zoned for retail or office use. It has very little street exposure and retail businesses are unwilling to take on the financial risk associated with such a low profile location. We have offered very attractive lease terms without much success. The businesses that have tried, often fail after a short period . The potential tenants looking for office space only want short month to month leases and well below market rates. Wendy Edelstein has approached me with an enthusiastic business proposal that I strongly feel will be mutually beneficial for the Town and this property. A waxing salon has a very high probability of success given the demographics of the area . Wendy's current location in Willow Glen is highly rated by her loyal clients. I believe she will bring that same level of energy and expertise to this location and will attract new patrons that will be mutually beneficial to other establishments. I hope that you will agree with me in this assessment and approve her business application and any required zoning changes. Thank you for your consideration . Jim K. Liu EXHIBIT 5 July 12 , 2015 I would like to express my appreciation and support for Wendy Edelstein in regards to opening a second location of Bare Wax Lounge, in Los Gatos . Both myself and my wife believe that her salon is of very high quality. I also believe that her salon stands apart from other salons in the same field, and will contribute as a unique asset in Los Gatos . I have become good friends with Wendy through mutual interests over the last couple of years; and agree that her business etiquette , supporting mentality and never ending fight for local charities all contributes to make Bare Wax Lounge a perfect candidate to open as a successful operation in our beautiful town . If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at (408) 477 -4632 Best , Alexander Hult Owner of Hults Restaurant Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce President. RECEIVED JUL 2 0 ZUl~ TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING D IVISI O N / ' To whom it may concern, I. \ My name is Lisa Diaz I own Salon Mona Lisa . located next to the location in question. I want to encourage you to accept the request for bar wax lounge to go the location asked. It is a complimentary business that would not compete with ours . In fact it will help us generate referrals to each other. We often get clients asking for waxing services witch we do not provide . We are thrilled to have them move next door to us . We know it will be an amazing fit. That location has been tricky over the years. It would be nice to have a beautiful waxing lounge next to us. Thank you, Lisa Diaz Owner, Salon Mon~ Lisa RECEIV ED JUL 2 0 2015 TOWN OF LOS G ATOS PLANNING DI VISION ( Planning Division 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, California 95030 Re : 151 N. Santa Cruz Avenue I think Bare Wax Lounge would will compliment my business, Mr. Pickles in a couple different ways . One being that Bare Wax Lounge will attract people up the alley way making them walk right past the front of Mr. Pickles . Another instance would be if Bare Wax Lounge clients arrive early for their services they can come in and grab a bite to eat or grab something to go after their appointment. I am in support of Bare Wax Lounge becoming part of our community at 151 N. Santa Cruz Ave . Brian Damiano , Owner Mr Pickles, Los Gatos RECEIVED JUL 2 0 201~ TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING D IV ISIO N ' { July 14,2015 Bare Wax Lounge is located next door to my hair salon. I have owned Fusion Hair Studio for seventeen years . Bare moved in one year ago, during April of 2014. It is the first business that has moved in that has been an asset to my business and our community. Bare participates in all our community events; and my business has also grown as a result of them moving into to their space! Thank you! Sherry Hammons Owner of Fusion Hair Studio RECEIVED JUL 2 0 2015 TOINN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION ( Gloss Beauty & Barber Lounge 1114 Brace Ave . San Jose, CA 95125 · July 2 , 2015 Dear Town of Los Gatos: This letter is to confirm that Wendy Edelstein and Bare Wax Lounge have been excellent neighbors to our salon in downtown Willow Glen. Our businesses have never competed and Wendy's Wax Lounge has act ually been very complimentary to our hair salon . Ou r clients enjoy being able to walk next door to have a quality waxing studio like Bare Wax Lounge . We cons istently hear compliments about the excellent customer service Wendy and her staff provide . Bare Wax Lounge would be a great addition to the variety of shops in downtown Los Gatos . Please contact us with any questions you may have . Sincerely, Carolyn Parise Owner Gloss Beauty & Barber Lounge glossbeautylounge@sbcglobal .net (408) 298-6702 RECEIVED JUL 2 0 2U1 S TOWN OF LO S GAT OS PLANNING DI VIS IO N (' Bare Wax Lounge has been a contributing business since they moved in. Not only have they brought us new customers but they also donated to our annual La Vil1a Car Show. I have asked new customers how they've heard about us they often say because they were at Bare Wax Lounge and decided to stop in to grab lunch/dinner. Bare Wax Lounge has been an excellent addition to our neighborhood. Chris Bertucelli-a Villa Delicatessen, San Jose RECEIVED JUL 2 0 2015 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION This Page Intentionally Left Blank -----'20. s +r ------ ~a\1mlm WtAY lZooM W (]\X \'2.ooH . t1 :tt:-I ::tr 2 • • ' t ' . . . rz.e-t-et. \1 --. I ~ .D I I s \ un H--C N. San-\?\ Cru r fr\1-( . JUL 20701~ TO V'IN OF l.O ~ \.A.TOS PLANNit\l G D i v'ISi O N This Page Intentionally Left Blank