Washington Park East Neighborhood Association

May 2004 - Japon Expansion Plans Drawing Neighborhood Attention

May 03, 2004

Japon Expansion Plans Drawing Neighborhood Attention ?– Mr. Hashimoto, owner of Restaurant Japon at 1028 So. Gaylord, is expanding into the space previously occupied by The Coffee Nut. The South Gaylord N.A. (SGNA) and WPENA jointly sponsored a public hearing on the expansion plans on December 4th, 2003, and our respective Zoning Committees met on the issues on February 5th, 2004. Initial plans to expand into an upstairs mezzanine area have been withdrawn in response to neighborhood concerns, but the proposed increase in seating from the current 77 seats to an estimated 165-185 seats (185 if seasonal patio seating is approved), is causing concern, particularly for neighbors directly impacted by parking and other problems. A hearing date for the modified liquor license will be set by Excise and Licenses when the license application has been reviewed. If you have comments about the plans for increased seating capacity at Japon or would like more information, please contact Mike Schneider, Vice-President of SGNA, at 303-778-9122.