Planning Commission to Consider Expansion for Shalizaar Restaurant

The Planning Commission tonight for the second time will consider an expansion proposal from , which hopes to add on a 5,000-square-foot banquet room -- four times larger than any other banquet room in Belmont.

The Persian restaurant, which was originally located in San Mateo but moved to 300 El Camino Real in Belmont to expand its size, is requesting a design review of a 5,129-square-foot banquet room that would spill onto a vacant lot next door.

Shalizaar also hopes to increase its nighttime hours and receive a conditional use permit to allow live performances. In addition, the restaurant is seeking a variance from the requirement to provide parking for the proposed banquet room.

Parking was the main concern when the Planning Commission discussed the proposal at a recent meeting on Jan. 18. Members of the Chamber of Commerce were also present at that meeting and expressed concerns over the parking as well.

"We’re all pleased with success of Shalizaar," Commissioner Kristin Mercer said at the Jan. 18 meeting. But, she said, "There are two concerns: one is that we’re more than doubling the capacity for the restaurant. The other concern is extended hours; this would set a precedent of being open later than any other business in Belmont."

Commissioner Robert Mayer agreed parking was the main concern when considering an expansion, but emphasized Belmont should support a thriving business.

"God forbid that we have a successful business in Belmont," Mayer said. "I have certain reservations about this place but I [don't want] to sit here and micromanage the entire concept."

He added that despite the issue of parking, he was in favor of Shalizaar's proposed expansion and extension of its open hours.

"I do support the general concept of the project with attention to certain issues, such as parking primarily," Mayer said. "[And I have] no problem with the extension of hours till 2 a.m."

But Commissioner Kenn Parsons said he was concerned with the late night hours Shalizaar is requesting, as well as the increase in noise and size.

"Having [the restaurant open until] 2 a.m. seven days a week is a bit excessive, and I don’t believe they really would be open till 2 a.m. seven days a week," Parsons said. "Most restaurants don’t even stay open till 11 [p.m.]."

Commissioner Jacki Horton echoed Parsons' concerns regarding the late-night hours, and suggested the parking issue could be mitigated.

"Parking comes up in every single restaurant we review," Horton said. "And we have granted variances to every restaurant before."

Noise wasn't as much of a concern for Commissioners Eric Reed and Rick Frautschi.

"When you buy a house you realize what noises come nearby, like Caltrain," Reed said. "In my mind, whether it’s a Hooters -- although we’d never allow Hooters because our Sign Ordinance wouldn’t allow it -- I don’t see it making a big difference."

Frautschi too felt noise wasn't as big of an issue to deal with as parking.

"I have no concerns whatsoever of noise generated from the restaurant," he said. "It’s something that can be dealt with if there is a problem. The real problem here is parking."

Mary Morrissey Parden, a longtime Belmont business owner and a member of the Belmont Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the Jan. 18 meeting and said in an interview the next day that she's glad for Shalizaar's success but the lack of parking in the area gives her strong reservations too.

Parden said it would be dangerous for patrons to park across the street on the east side of El Camino Real and have to cross the busy thoroughfare to get to the restaurant. And she said there isn't enough parking on the west side of El Camino Real to accommodate the additional guests that would utilize the banquet room.

Parden also expressed concern about the size Shalizaar would become if granted the expansion.

Should Shalizaar not occupy that space at some point, Parden said it would be a prime location for a chain restaurant that Belmont doesn't necessarily want in its backyard.

"It's unusual to have one restaurant that is that size," she said. "It's not unusual for chain restaurants to fit in that large space."

The Planning Commission on Jan. 18 directed staff to review Shalizaar's proposal in addition to their comments and concerns, and tonight will discuss the updated design review.

The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belmont City Hall, located at 1 Twin Pines Lane.