Jake Kaufman, chair of Land Use and Planning Committee, talks with applicant prior to meeting. Board members John Reed, on left, and Jim Murez, in center, are long-time members who do not plan to continue on the committee.

It was the last Land Use and Planning Committee (LUPC) meet for Chairman Jake Kaufmann and how sweet it was for him and the board members to announce two “unanimous approvals” and these approvals were without descent.

Both Piccolo restaurant at 5-7 Dudley, who wanted opening hours changed to 11:30 am and wanted full liquor approval, and the market-cafe next door at 9 Dudley, who wanted approval for on-site wine and beer, were approved. Both projects were lauded by local residents who not only approved of the projects but complimented the applicants on good food, their methods of operations, and service to the community.

Jake Kaufman thanked market-restaurant applicant Sris Sinnathamry for his getting the lease, removing what was there, and applying to LUPC for approval of what he planned.

Kaufman said “That is the way it should be done. But what we normally get are applicants who have already started operation and then apply for approval or have done it incorrectly and apply for approval.”

In addition to hearing the two projects on Dudley approved, the meet held Tuesday (27 May) was bittersweet in that many of the present figures who have represented the committee for years, thru many chairmen, will no longer serve. Both John Reed and Jim Murez said after the meeting that they would no longer serve.

Normally, after the election, the committee dissolves and members reapply for positions on the board, as the new chair takes office.

LUPC is one of the most contentious committees of the Venice Neighborhood Council and perhaps the most important in that they are the original vetting sources for new developments.

Development is the name of the game in Venice. LUPC members take a verbal beating many times in trying to explain the various applicable plans and rules to angry neighbors and to angry developers. Neighbors and developers come to meetings many times charged with anger and pit themselves against each other and the LUPC members get caught in the middle.

Although the VNC relies on the LUPC recommendation, the process is just the beginning for approval.

Projects, developments go next to the Planning department where they are heard officially and the LUPC, VNC recommendation is heard and considered but not necessarily followed.