San Gabriel : Plan for Panchito’s Criticized

Negotiations by the city to purchase historic Panchito’s Mexican Restaurant for a park-and-ride lot sparked debate at Tuesday’s City Council meeting between city officials and citizens opposed to the plan.

The city plans to revamp the restaurant’s parking lot and lease the facility, which may be reduced in size. Panchito’s is up for sale.

Four residents testified against the plan, saying a parking lot for bus commuters on Mission Drive would deprive the city of one of its few good restaurants.

“Panchito’s to me is a city logo. It’s been around that long,” said Don Hughes, a former member of the Planning Commission and 25-year resident.

He said the restaurant reflects the character of the Mission District and is the type of business the Planning Commission sought for the area during his tenure.

City Administrator P. Michael Paules said the $1.6-million Panchito’s deal is part of the renovation of the Mission District, which the city hopes will become a magnet for tourism and commerce.

The city has not completed purchase of the property, Paules said, and plans for the restaurant are not final. The Mission District Advisory Group will discuss the plans in the next 30 days, and the City Council will make a final decision after that, Paules said.

Mary Cammarano, the only member of the council to oppose the plan, said she recently received a dozen calls from citizens expressing concern. Mayor Dominic S. Polimeni and Councilman Sabino M. Cici said they also received calls from citizens on the matter.