After the San Benito County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday
continued discussion on a permit for Leal Vineyards to June 22,
a
”
For Sale
”
sign today was placed in front of the business property along
Fairview Road.
After the San Benito County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday continued discussion on a permit for Leal Vineyards to June 22, a “For Sale” sign today was placed in front of the business property along Fairview Road.
That sign now blocks the usual black-and-gold Leal Vineyards sign leading to the entrance of the winery. Owner Frank Leal when phoned today was unavailable for comment.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Leal threatened to leave the county if a decision wasn’t made that day about a neighbor’s appeal to the April 7 planning commission decision, which had granted Leal Vineyards a permit for its hosting business.
The neighbor, Bill Lee, contested that Leal Vineyards was not following noise guidelines set by the county, including stopping all business by 10 p.m.
Lee presented to the board Leal Vineyards’ advertising that showed events lasting past 10 p.m.
The Leal estate was issued a “stop activities order” last year, but has continued to hold events. Leal Vineyards, according to a presentation by Assistant Planner Byron Turner, is not in compliance with the California state fire code and has yet to install a left-turn lane, which was agreed to in 2004.
Leal Vineyards also does not have a permit for a wine cave facility, and its permanent, year-round tent still is registered as temporary and is supposed to be taken down for a portion of each year.
The planning commission permit would have allowed Leal Vineyards to continue holding events at its facility and would have allowed the business to prove a left-turn lane was not needed.
The board continued the meeting to June 22 because supervisors said they needed more information on three matters – noise, fire-code compliance and traffic – to make a decision.
When it seemed the board was going to postpone its decision at this week’s meeting, Leal rushed out of the room and slammed the door.