YORBA LINDA : Council Turns Down Permit for Pool Hall

Billiards players will have to chalk up their cue sticks elsewhere because the City Council this week denied a permit for a 5,600-square-foot billiards and pizza business.

The council cited overwhelming opposition to the proposed Yorba Linda Family Pizza and Entertainment Center as well as potential parking problems in reaching its unanimous decision.

Although several council members praised David Duncan’s plan for a smoke-free, alcohol-free billiards and pizza establishment, they all said the Lakeview Shopping Center was not the right place.

For the past two years, Duncan has attempted to win the necessary permits to lease a building in the southeast part of the center. He proposed putting in 17 pool tables and a 1,200-square-foot dining area.

Nearby business owners and residents protested the plan.

Jack Meyers, the owner of B&B; Pharmacy in the shopping center, presented the city with a petition with about 1,300 names protesting the proposed business, and dozens of residents sent letters and spoke at two public hearings against the project.

Although business owners confined their criticism to the parking problem, a number of residents have said a pool hall would bring trouble to the area.

On Tuesday, the pastor of a nearby church said the project would attract “the wrong crowd.”

“We don’t believe this type of business will contribute to the youth,” said Richard Cunningham of Calvary Baptist Church and School.

Another resident said a billiards room would attract gamblers.

Council member Henry W. Wedaa said the volume of opposition could not be ignored.

“When (1,300) people sign a petition, when a church and school object, I have to support their position,” Wedaa said.