Chair Carol Randall of the Planning Commission would like to have an inexpensive place to eat? A place where John Q. Anybody would enjoy affordable food and beverage? Looking around it seems as if there are many here in Malibu: McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Jack in the Box, La Salsa, Subway, Johnnie’s Pizza, Thai Dishes, Coral Beach Cantina, Spruzzo’s, Coogie’s, Marmalade, John’s Garden, Malibu Kitchen. The list goes on.
Sorry to say, this goes back to the same problem with any type of building, whether commercial or residential in Malibu. The process to do anything new, or even to remodel, goes beyond lengthy and difficult. I would almost have to give a medal for anyone having the wherewithal to go through the process.
On top of this, it sounds as if the Planning Commission would like to approve of the menu and the prices. What next? Will they insist that native vegetation, also know as weeds, be used for the bouquets? Would they be responsible when the business fails under the terms they would like? I didn’t know that this was the Socialist Republic of Malibu!
I’m sure that everyone in Malibu would like a larger variety of restaurants. I know the local business owners have been squeezed with skyrocketing rents. There are simply not enough commercial spaces in Malibu. If the available commercial real estate wasn’t in such short supply, demand would fall and the prices would naturally fall. The marketplace would be more competitive. Someone might actually open up a few new businesses that aren’t solely for wealthy Malibuites.
If Larry Ellison decides he wishes to make some kind of gift, grant or concession to the city, it should be up to him and not the city to decide. I am frankly embarrassed that some of the commissioners thought they might required him to do so. Thankfully, someone thought this was too close to blackmail.
Speaking for many Malibuites, I am eager for new places to eat. Thanks to Larry Ellison for providing us with a new venue.
Tina Goldstein