Home Oakley Oakley Punts Decision on Bingo Hall After Split Vote

Oakley Punts Decision on Bingo Hall After Split Vote

by ECT

On Tuesday, the Oakley City Council took no action after a split vote on a Conditional Use Permit for a Bingo Hall to operate in the Cypress Square Shopping Center.

Francine McMahon, who is the applicant, is requesting approval for the non-profit Daub 4 Kidz Bingo Hall in a 6,000 square foot space located at 2105-2107 Main Street (formerly the Diablo Water District space).

Under the proposed operation hours, it would have been four sessions a week including Tuesday and Friday nights (4:00 pm to 11:30 pm) and Saturday and Sunday afternoons (11:00 am to 6:30 pm) of up to 100 players with 12 volunteers and 1 security guard.

City Staff recommended denial of the application noting that the conditional use permits are tied to the land rather than a specific operator.  Staff suggested there were better locations within Oakley for this applicant to operate.

Wolfgang Croskey , a real estate broker representing the applicant explained the proposed location had been vacant for a year and worked hard to find a tenant for the space. He said Daub 4 Kidz Bingo was a great way to give back to the community, local sports and youth programs.

Sam Billeci, who has been involved with the Bingo at Flor DO Oakley Hall supported McMahons’ efforts.

“Having a non-profit bingo in the area helps all the bingo’s.  I’d like to see it, it gives people an opportunity to get out and enjoy themselves and have a lot of fun,” said Billeci.

Oakley Councilman Randy Pope supported the applicant’s efforts but stated his disagreement with staff’s denial.

“I appreciate staffs hard work on this issue, but I respectfully disagree. I think we can make those findings,” said Pope.  “The only issue I had is if they do go to capacity, there is going to be a lot of cars that need to park there. Since the staff denied it, they didn’t talk about capacity. My prime concern is if you are too successful, which is a good problem to have, but you’re taking up a lot of spaces.”

Pope said by having this applicant in the space, it will drive participants to the pizza parlor and other businesses in the shopping center.

Pope stated his other concern was with just one security of one guard and requested if it was approved that there be certain triggers if it becomes a burden on Oakley Police.

Councilman Doug Hardcastle stated he agreed with Pope.

“It not only brings the older folks to a safe environment for bingo, it gives entertainment we don’t have in Oakley,” said Hardcastle. “I don’t think it’s going to degrade the shopping center because it brings the other shops traffic. I got to think of it like a businessman that if someone told me I couldn’t rent something I would feel infringed upon because I couldn’t make a buck… I am for it as long as the security issue is met.”

Oakley Councilwoman Vanessa Perry explained there were better locations in Oakley for the operation.

“I am not opposed to the idea of a Bingo Hall but I am concerned with the parking. I know that area is big but the times you are open are during prime hours where the shopping center is really busy. It’s prime dinner time, those of us who don’t want to cook and go have dinner, its already a full parking lot so there wouldn’t be any parking. On Saturday and Sunday, that parking lot does get full with people shopping and little league going to the pizza parlor and car shows and other events,” said Perry.

Mayor Kevin Romick admitted he was going to be the naysayer on the issue

“I agree with staff. I don’t think this is a really good location for a bingo hall. My concern is that it sat empty and they didn’t come to us and ask for help, that is why we have an economic development person to help. The fact that you ignored them for a year and went out and found someone in my opinion is less desirable is frustrating.  We could have filled it six months ago if they had come for help,” explained Romick. “To me, this location is not a prime one because of the parking and confusion. I really don’t want to give up prime office space and retail forever. It’s not a good fit or location there are other places to put it. For me, this is not the correct location.”

Pope’s motion to move forward with a condition of approval did not pass with a 2-2 vote (Higgins did not vote).

Since the council took no action, city staff will work with the applicant to address the council’s concerns and will be brought back at a future meeting.

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4 comments

FrankS Apr 28, 2016 - 6:20 am

This entire council sounds like a bunch of idiots and City staff continues to be lazy by not even doing a complete study on parking. The council comments are weak both for and against.

Doug Hardcastle, given your logic, it appears he now has to approve every application going forward or he will infringe on someone.

Vanessa Perry, given her logic, new business can only come into shopping centers during down times to not effect her meal schedule.

Kevin Romick, given his logic, people most be forced to use the city’s economic development or they will vote no to anything.

These peopole are clowns and all up for election this year, vote them out!

Bill Apr 28, 2016 - 6:46 am

WTF Oakley City Council, this should have been a 5-0 vote against this idea. Pope and Hardcaslte need to stop drinking that republican coffee and start thinking about Oakley instead of their ideals.

This should not be allowed in oakley and especially not in front of the low income housing area.

Julio Apr 28, 2016 - 6:54 am

The problem here is “staff”. Our local cities have a problem with staff doing their job. They simply don’t do it. The report was incomplete because Mr. Montgomery accepts this. His own work is always just enough to get by. Get rid of him Oakley and your situation will improve.

Bob Clark Apr 28, 2016 - 9:35 am

Glad to know Oakley can’t make a deicsion on bingo but will go full steam ahead to screw up the rest of the city such as the downtown. This council is the worst in history. Time for change. Maybe they can get rid of the city manager while they are at it.

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