Board approves small grocery La Fundita on Euclid Avenue with limited beer and wine sales

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a conditional use allowing limited retail sales of beer and wine at La Fundita, a new grocery proposal for 1600 Euclid Avenue.

Planning staff presented the proposal and noted that the MX1 district allows limited retail beer and wine sales subject to a conditional use, a 150-foot separation and a limit that no more than 40 percent of receipts be derived from beer, wine or tobacco products. The applicant indicated the alcohol section will be a single refrigerator area about 44 square feet; they told the board the store's primary business will be grocery staples and prepared foods.

Jacqueline Villafana, representing Innovilaria Inc and La Fundita, said the owners and landlord have invested in the site and expect the store will serve a neighborhood currently underserved for fresh groceries. Staff reported neighborhood meeting attendance and a single comment card in the record; staff recommended approval with conditions that include keeping alcoholic sales under 40 percent, limiting the alcohol display to the 44-square-foot area and operating hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The board approved the conditional-use request subject to the staff-recommended conditions. The applicant may now proceed with required permits and inspections for food-service and retail operations.