GARDEN GROVE : Lounge-Restaurant Permit Denied to Local Club Owner

A club owner who hoped to open a lounge-restaurant in west Garden Grove was denied a permit by the City Council on Tuesday.

“The city of Garden Grove loses, not me, because they had a tax base there they’re destroying,” said Ted Heier, owner of the Fraternity Club, a nightclub on Garden Grove Boulevard. Heier wants to open the lounge at 12777 Knott St.

The council’s denial was the most recent blow to Heier, who has been seeking city approval for his proposal since February.

“Mr. Heier has indicated he wants a family restaurant, but he doesn’t want the conditions of a family restaurant,” Councilman Bob Dinsen said. “His indication is that his main concerns are the bar and entertainment.”

Two hundred residents showed up to protest Heier’s application, arguing that late closing hours, alcohol sale and live entertainment would increase crime, noise and traffic in the surrounding neighborhood.

“None of us want a nightclub or a bar, and none of us need it,” resident Roy Simmons said. “I think most of us would accept a family restaurant.”

The Planning Commission approved Heier’s plans in February, but reversed its decision after residents criticized Heier’s proposal at a public hearing in June.

Planning Commission members said they denied his request after they realized he intended to book large-scale entertainment events at the site, which is located in a residential neighborhood.

“They’re trying to make it seem like a health and safety issue, and it’s not,” said Heier’s lawyer, Eric Lampel.