Lodi planners OK expansions for gym, bars

The Lodi Planning Commission unanimously approved requests for two bar expansions along with a proposed boxing facility, a ninelot subdivision and a new eatery during its meeting Wednesday night. Planning Commission members Bill Cummins, David Kirstin and Crystal Kirst were absent from the vote.

About 20 participants and supporters of the Rocky Steady Lodi Fitness program cheered when the commission approved a request for a use permit for the program’s new space.

The fitness program, targeted towards those with Parkinson’s Disease, will be moving into Mokelumne Station, located at 651 N. Cherokee Lane, Suite C.

“What is really exciting about this application tonight is you’re seeing a very successful program, and the applicant is looking to expand their use,” City Planner Craig Hoffman told the commission.

The space is 1,764 square feet and the typical hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The program includes heavy punching bags, stationary bikes, weights, floor mats, ropes and other gym equipment. Class sizes will be from one to 15 people.

Rock Steady owner and instructor Sheldon Vicks told the commission he’d been a certified Rock Steady boxing instructor since August of 2017 and a personal trainer for the last 12 years, as well a kickboxing trainer for the last 10 years.

Also approved was the expansion of both Ollie’s Pub and Stogies Cigar Lounge. Ollie’s Pub, located at 20 and 22 N. School St., will be expanding their patio space to include the back portion of 14 and 16 N. School St.

According to Hoffman, the new patio space allows for the storage of an outside mobile bar and could be used for private social events in the future. Hoffman mentioned that Ollie’s has a good record with police and there are no concerns from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Commission member Debbie Olson asked Ollie’s owner Justin O’Byrne how he was able to maintain such a track record Downtown, saying that some bars in the area don’t.

“I think it’s management. It’s what we expect. We have a zero-tolerance rule, so we kick you out and you probably won’t get back in. We run a pretty strict tight ship,” O’Byrne said.

Commission member Tiffany Gomes told O’Byrne that she thought the expansion was a great idea. She visits his bar on Thursday nights after the Farmer’s Market and said the with the crowd that things can sometimes get a little tight.

“It’s not huge area that we’re moving into, but it makes a nice difference,” O’Byrne said.

Stogies Cigar Lounge, located at 230 W. Pine St., will be expanding into an adjacent space that formerly housed Cooks Printing and Copy Store.

According to Hoffman, Stogies has been in business for the last three years and like Ollie’s, has a clean track record with both the police department and ABC.

“This has been a great use in the Downtown area and we’re excited to see the business continue to grown,” Hoffman said.

Stogie’s owner Denise Wiman informed the commission that the expansion will include a private cigar lounge. She said the lounge currently has a small area that has cigar seating, a pool table and a bar. However, she wants to create a new experience for her customers. The new private lounge will include cigar lockers for rent and seating will be expanded to up 20 seats. The private lounge will have a Prohibition-era, speakeasystyle décor.

Wednesday night the commission approved an alcohol license for Rubio’s Restaurant. The license will allow them to serve wine and beer. Rubio’s will be coming to the Sunwest Village shopping center beside Buffalo Wild Wings.

“Rubio’s is excited about being here in Lodi and opening a new restaurant at the shopping mall. It seems like the proper location. It’s a commercially zone property with plenty of on site parking. It really is nice center, ” Rubio’s representative Brett Engstrom said.

He informed the commission that Rubio’s had been in business since the ’80s and is a family-owned business with an emphasis on fish tacos. According to Engstrom, Rubio’s has 50 to 60 ABC licenses in the state, which they keep a close eye on and have had a good track record. Rubio’s will have both outdoor and indoor dining. The outdoor area will have a barrier to contain the alcohol service, so that it doesn’t leave the establishment.

Engstrom anticipates Rubio’s will open its doors to the public within the 45 days.

A subdivision that will include nine townhomes at 2050 Tienda Drive was also approved. The subdivision will be located near the Target shopping center.

“Being located so close to a major shopping center, this is a great area for having an higher density project,” Hoffman said.

According to Hoffman, eight of the town homes will be connected into one building with the ninth one being a standalone building. This project will offer a more affordable housing option than the homes in Villa Fiore, Orchard Lane and Rosegate, Hoffman said.

“This is a product that fits the need in this community. Allowing for someone to get into the housing market,” Hoffman said.

Applicant and Property Owner Mitchell Scheflo told the commission he was excited about the project and 10 to 15 years ago he developed Mills Crossing which he felt turned out well. He anticipates this project will have the same result.

Jonathan Hicks the pastor of a church located adjacent to the property voiced concerns about fencing and privacy between the church and the town homes.

Hoffman ensured that there would be a 6- to 7-foot wood fence separating the two areas, providing adequate privacy.