City Council backs restaurant hours
June Casagrande
NEWPORT BEACH -- Complaints by two residents of noise and rowdy
patrons of Carmelo’s Ristorante aren’t enough to yank the restaurant’s
permit, the City Council has decided.
Appealing a Planning Commission decision, Newport Beach resident Gary
Martin brought his fight to the City Council last week. But after
learning that 75 of 99 complaints lodged against the restaurant were from
Martin, council members decided to let the Coast Highway restaurant keep
its permit as is.
Mayor Tod Ridgeway took it a step further: “I suggest you consider
moving,” he told Martin, pointing out that neighbors bothered by the
restaurant appear to be a small minority.
Along with resident Walt Naidus, Martin fought for changes to
Carmelo’s permit, including a limit to the restaurant’s hours on certain
nights.
“Carmelo’s should not be allowed to conduct business after 11 p.m. any
night of the week,” Martin said.
But, noting that her restaurant complies with all terms of its permit,
Carmelo’s owner Judy Monto protested.
“I don’t think it’s fair to cut down on our hours,” she said.
Some residents, including Martin and Naidus, have complained that
noise from the restaurant’s live music keeps them awake at night. Also,
they have said, patrons of Carmelo’s cause problems, including urinating
in public.
A handful of Carmelo’s neighbors turned out to speak on the issue.
But, in an unusual display that may have helped seal council members’
decisions, about half came out to speak in favor of the restaurant.
City code enforcement officers have tested noise levels in the
surrounding area and reported that noise is within reasonable limits.
Martin argued that if they retested during peak operating hours, they
would see that the music and laughter emanating from the establishment
are excessive.
But, to officials, the point was already moot.
The bottom line: “We have not found any violations of the use permit
or code,” Assistant City Manager Sharon Wood reported.
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