Seafood Eatery Denied Bid to Double Size

Owners of BC Seafood lost another round last week in a fight to expand the business, a proposal that had prompted protests from business and residential neighbors.

“I don’t want property values to be lowered because of a fish food place,� said resident Gloria Solis, who lives on Brookhaven Park behind the restaurant. “We are working adults. We have children who need their rest.�

The City Council voted to uphold a Planning Commission decision to deny BC Seafood a permit needed for expansion into a vacant building next door. Mayor Bruce Broadwater abstained, citing a conflict of interest. He lives near BC Seafood.

The business, at 12158 Brookhurst St., would have grown from 4,800 to 10,136 square feet under the proposal.

Planning commissioners, citing neighborhood concerns, voted last month to deny the request until the owners met code requirements. BC Seafood, which frequently holds parties for crowds, appealed that decision, prompting the City Council hearing.

“We saw an opportunity to grow when the building next door became vacant,� said the restaurant’s accountant, Danny Acob, who spoke for the owner, Ty Tiet, before the City Council. “This could bring in additional revenue for the city as well as the county.�

Rauf Chammas, who owns DeMicelis Italian restaurant next door, said the addition would lead to parking-lot gridlock. “The parking we have is a jungle,� he said.

After hearing complaints, Councilman Bob Dinsen said the city should support the Planning Commission’s decision.

“We have a lot of complaints,� he said. “Yet we like to help our businesses grow and be profitable. I think the Planning Commission looked at this issue thoroughly and came to a good conclusion. I think the applicant needs to . . . show it can meet the requirements and try again.�