Willow Glen Resident

News

Association sides with residents on Alano Club complaints

By Alicia Upano

Community and Alano Club members spoke their piece at the Sept. 13 Willow Glen Neighborhood Association meeting, ratcheting up the dispute on the divisive issue.

The city has tried to get the Alano Club to apply for a permit that would lessen the noise effects on the neighborhood and correct land use, building and code violations.

"I fear they're going to remain open," Chris Piekarski told the audience, which included Mike Hannon, San Jose deputy director of code enforcement. Hannon's staff is recommending the Appeals Hearing Board close the club.

Piekarski, who attended the meeting with several neighbors who also live near the club, has been dealing with excessive noise for years, he said.

"We've never had any complaints until one family moved in behind us," said an Alano Club board member, who requested anonymity due to the nature of the organization.

For 30 years, the club has hosted meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous throughout the day, and has been a place for people who "are attempting to get sober and stay sober," he said.

The board member said the club would like more time to buy the other half of the property from co-owner Stringfellow. With full ownership, the club would try to prove it was grandfathered in and operating legally, or the club would build a new code-compliant building, he said.

The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association board agreed to draft a letter supporting the neighbors.