WeHo Planning Commission delays Abbey request to allow dancing
Sun. May 8, 2011 3:08 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
West Hollywood, CA -
The Planning Commission for the City of West Hollywood on Thursday night delayed The Abbey's application to allow dancing, which has angered owner and founder David Cooley.
"I have supported the community and my customers for nearly 20 years," said Cooley. "It is disheartening how the city planning commission chose to treat The Abbey tonight."
According to Cooley, the commissioners put off the decision because they had not done their research and were unsure on how allowing dancing at the popular club would impact parking.
A released statement from The Abbey read, "After recently announcing plans to be more pro-business, they disrespected business owner David Cooley and what he has done for the City of West Hollywood for the past 20 years, including supporting charities, raising over $1 million for APLA at his annual Oscar event, employing over 190 people at The Abbey, being one of the largest tax revenue generators for our city, creating a tourist destination known around the globe as ‘The Best Gay Bar in the World' and his continuous support for the LGBT community."
The Abbey said that even with support from the community, Sheriff's Department, Parking Officials, Code Enforcement, Public Safety, The Chamber of Commerce, and City Staff, the Planning Commission still would not approve the change in permitting to allow dancing and entertainment.
Cooley and his staff are asking the public to show support by participating in the next hearing on June 16 at the West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd.
The Abbey is also asking the public to contact Mayor Duran, City Manager Paul Arevalo and Planner Jennifer Alkir.
"I have supported the community and my customers for nearly 20 years," said Cooley. "It is disheartening how the city planning commission chose to treat The Abbey tonight."
According to Cooley, the commissioners put off the decision because they had not done their research and were unsure on how allowing dancing at the popular club would impact parking.
A released statement from The Abbey read, "After recently announcing plans to be more pro-business, they disrespected business owner David Cooley and what he has done for the City of West Hollywood for the past 20 years, including supporting charities, raising over $1 million for APLA at his annual Oscar event, employing over 190 people at The Abbey, being one of the largest tax revenue generators for our city, creating a tourist destination known around the globe as ‘The Best Gay Bar in the World' and his continuous support for the LGBT community."
The Abbey said that even with support from the community, Sheriff's Department, Parking Officials, Code Enforcement, Public Safety, The Chamber of Commerce, and City Staff, the Planning Commission still would not approve the change in permitting to allow dancing and entertainment.
Cooley and his staff are asking the public to show support by participating in the next hearing on June 16 at the West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd.
The Abbey is also asking the public to contact Mayor Duran, City Manager Paul Arevalo and Planner Jennifer Alkir.