Argonaut neighbors protest new Starbucks Coffee expansion plan

By Steve Enders

Neighbors immediately adjacent to a proposed Starbucks Coffee shop at the Argonaut Shopping Center derided the city's Planning Commission April 28 before it approved a use permit for the store to expand and add outdoor seating. The application was approved 5-1, with Chairwoman Mary-Lynne Bernald dissenting.

Irate neighbors vowed to take advantage of the 15-day appeals process and if they do appeal the decision, the City Council will have final say in the matter.

The last time Starbucks came to City Hall was in July 1997, when it received approval for a use permit at the shopping center. At the time, it actually eliminated a plan to build an outdoor seating area, even though some of the commissioners said they'd like to see one there. The plan was halted by Starbucks because of public reaction against the proposal.

Also in 1997, it received approval for an 1,160-square-foot store. Two weeks ago Starbucks representatives told the commission it wants a 1,600-square-foot store instead, to provide patrons with a variety of seating options.

The Starbucks item appeared to open old wounds existing in the Argonaut neighborhood since the Seattle-based coffee chain was told it could not locate in the downtown Village area. Starbucks then went to Argonaut, which is in the final stages of a massive renovation.

Neighbors' nerves are already being tested with the heavy construction, and many have been opposed to the Starbucks idea since its inception.

Architect Drew Padilla said that the intent of Starbucks and the outdoor seating area was to make the new shopping center more pedestrian-friendly, and a place where people could come to spend some time instead of simply shopping and leaving.

But neighbors didn't like that idea and said that people spending time in the area only translates to more noise, trash and traffic.

They were also opposed to its hours of operation, likely to be from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days.

Chris Hawks, who lives on Blauer Drive, said that the Starbucks isn't in line with the tradition of the shopping center, which has seen an abundance of family-owned shops and services.

"If you were to have a neighbor that moved in and from 6 a.m. in the morning to 11 p.m. at night and have yard parties, you would not appreciate that either," he told the commission.

Starbucks representative Rhonda Rigenhagen said that Starbucks is committed to maintaining an operation that is friendly to the city and neighbors, and said she hopes neighbors will enjoy the coffee shop as well.

But Blauer Drive resident Bruce Prestwich, who was nearly shouting at the commission, called the Starbucks a "giant mistake." He asked commissioners, "Was Starbucks ever turned away from the downtown Village? Well, what in the world ever would make people think they could put it some other place in Saratoga besides the Village?"

Despite the public outcry against Starbucks, the commission approved the use permit, saying it wasn't too much different from the one approved two years ago.

Outgoing Commissioner Mark Pierce expressed confidence in the store, calling Starbucks a "well-run organization." Other commissioners agreed, noting clauses in the original use permit that said the city will be watching to see if trash and noise become problems.

Council deadlocks on vote to eliminate two playfields

Redwood Middle School performs 'Annie'

Photo: Dr. Jack Cox's 90th Birthday

Saratoga Sampler

Sports Briefs

Falcons fall, but still top the El Camino Division

Daniels saves the best for last at track meet

Seeking former football all-stars