Planning commission approves outdoor seating expansion for La Pluma despite neighbor complaints
Commission voted 6-1 for 12 additional seats and extended Sunday hours, with new conditions to address violations
The Alexandria Planning Commission voted 6-1 on Wednesday to approve a special use permit allowing La Pluma Coffee and Wine at 1000 Cameron Street to add 12 outdoor dining seats and extend Sunday operating hours until 10 p.m.
The approval follows the restaurant’s resolution of multiple violations of its existing special use permit conditions, including improper trash storage and delivery timing issues documented by city staff.
“All violations have been resolved as of the staff report docketing,” said Lanning Blaser, a planner with the Department of Planning and Zoning.
The restaurant currently operates with 28 outdoor dining seats and closes at 6 p.m. on Sundays, compared to 9:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. The approved amendment increases outdoor seating to 40 seats and extends Sunday hours to 10 p.m.
Neighbor Opposition
Madison Welch, representing neighboring property owners at 1006 Cameron Street, presented photographs and documentation showing what he described as continued violations, including after-hours deliveries and trespassing on adjacent property.
“They were doing more than one violation a month at the time and still are,” Welch said, referencing documentation of seven permit violations.
Amy Melia, also speaking for the property owners, informed commissioners that a civil lawsuit is pending in Alexandria Circuit Court regarding the restaurant’s use of an easement area. She requested the commission defer approval until the litigation is resolved.
“There are ongoing violations of the original permit and the conditions,” Melia said.
Restaurant Response
Restaurant owners Dany Lopez and Ileana Melendez Lopez disputed the violation claims. Ileana Lopez said city inspectors from multiple departments have found their operations in compliance.
“All the accusations that we’re being given, they’re not accurate,” Lopez said. “Many of the city staff, including health department, bar zoning, have come taking pictures, taking photos at different times.”
The couple, who described themselves as missionaries, apologized for any unintentional violations while maintaining their commitment to compliance.
Supporter Testimony
Several speakers supported the expansion. Architect Karen Becker, who has worked with the owners for four years, spoke in favor. John Bader, a longtime Old Town resident, praised the restaurant’s contribution to the neighborhood.
“I would seriously doubt that any other restaurant in Old Town is run as conscientiously as La Pluma,” Bader said. “The few violations that staff had found could be characterized as teething pains of a growing and new business.”
Staff Recommendation and Conditions
Staff recommended approval with amended conditions addressing compliance concerns. The amendments require the restaurant to use additional trash receptacles when existing containers cannot be sealed and mandate submission of a delivery plan by Dec. 19 to ensure vendors comply with restricted hours.
Planning and Zoning Director Tony LaColla said the city typically works with permit holders to resolve violations through signed agreements before bringing cases to the commission.
Commissioner David Brown said the easement dispute is a private property matter independent of the special use permit review.
“Both of those questions are appropriate for resolution in the Circuit Court, not in this case, where the actual location and use of the easement doesn’t really have what I would call a strong bearing on whether or not we add 12 more seats to the property,” Brown said.
Vice Chair Stephen Koenig made the motion to approve with staff’s recommended conditions. The motion passed 6-1, with Commissioner Holly Lenihan dissenting.
Staff recommended approval with amended conditions addressing compliance concerns. The amendments require the restaurant to use additional trash receptacles when existing containers cannot be sealed and mandate submission of a delivery plan by Dec. 19 to ensure vendors comply with restricted hours.
Planning and Zoning Director Tony Licola said the city typically works with permit holders to resolve violations through signed agreements before bringing cases to the commission.
Commissioner David Brown said the easement dispute is a private property matter independent of the special use permit review.
“Both of those questions are appropriate for resolution in the Circuit Court, not in this case, where the actual location and use of the easement doesn’t really have what I would call a strong bearing on whether or not we add 12 more seats to the property,” Brown said.
Vice Chair Stephen Koenig made the motion to approve with staff’s recommended conditions. The motion passed 6-1, with Commissioner Holly Lenihan dissenting.
Next Steps
The restaurant is located in the Parker Gray district at the corner of North Patrick Street and Cameron Street. Staff found the request consistent with the area’s mixed-use character and noted that similar restaurants with outdoor dining operate near residential uses in the King Street retail corridor.
The approval includes standard conditions for special use permits, with six-month and annual reviews to monitor compliance.
The case proceeds to the City Council for final approval.