HUNTINGTON BEACH : Pool Hall Plans Are a Scratch

After merchants raised concerns about having a pool hall in their shopping center, the City Council on Monday denied a special permit to allow the business to move in.

The council voted 4 to 3 to reject the special permit, overturning the Planning Commission’s March approval for the billiard hall to open.

“If nobody wants it, why should I approve it?” asked Councilman Peter M. Green. “Everyone’s opposed to it for legitimate reasons, and their concerns were not addressed by the applicant.”

Ty Wai Yep, who had sought city approval for a 3,484-square-foot billiard hall, did not attend Monday’s meeting to address the council. Nor was he at the May 1 public hearing, when the council deferred action to give him the opportunity to speak.

Robert D. Dennis of Family Fitness Centers, which operates in the shopping center at Warner Avenue and Springdale Street, appealed the Planning Commission’s decision to the council.

Dennis said that the health club would be concerned about the safety and security of female members who leave the facility in the evening if there were a pool hall nearby.

Other tenants said that the shopping center, already a hangout for youngsters, does not have enough parking spaces to accommodate a pool hall.

Dennis had asked the council to require an outdoor security guard and additional lighting if the billiard hall were approved.

Councilwoman Shirley S. Dettloff voted against denying the application, saying that the restrictions placed on the special permit would help to alleviate concerns.

She also said the city would retain its right to review the operation of the business and could revoke the permit if problems did arise.