Politics & Government

Neighborhood Council Opposes Xen Lounge's Proposed Permit Changes

Troubled Studio City businesses' owners are a no show to the full neighborhood council meeting.

The outdoor movies continue. The noise continues. The parking problems continue. The community does not want to see Xen Lounge get permission to change its permits.

The restaurant owned by actor Will Smith, located at 10628 Ventura Blvd., has been the subject of several quality of life complaints to the neighborhood for more than one year, and last week the managers said they plan to modify their permits to add more outdoor seats and allow for food to be served outside.

On Wednesday night the Studio City Neighborhood Council unanimously voted to oppose any changes the business plans to make with the city. Club owner Duane Martin and manager Lee Rabun, who attended the Oct. 10 joint Land Use and Public Safety committee meetings to field questions, did not show up to Wednesday's full board meeting.

More nearby residents came to meeting, especially those from Willowcrest Avenue, to say the restaurant really acts like a club, and the owners continue to distance themselves from the community.

Resident Richard Brown said Xen Lounge, according to its Facebook page posts as of Wednesday night, continues to show loud outdoor movies at the adjacent neighbors' expense.

"I've made more than 40 calls to police," Brown said, highlighting the overall noise problems, alleged trash, fighting and parking issues associated to Xen Lounge.

"I want the company to succeed, but as it was meant to be," Brown added.

Another nearby resident Curt Cassingham said there's been instances when pulling out of his driveway or coming home of getting delayed by Xen Lounge's valet parking.

"Last week I come home from work and I see someone parking in front of someone’s house. It was one of his parking valets," he said. "He says he has right to park there. We want him to comply with permits he has, rather than change them to have more people in the place for people to occupy."

Council Vice Chairperson Lisa Sarkin highlighted that Martin could not answer a simple question of how much food he served on a daily basis. 

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Other members and members of the audience Wednesday reiterated that it's Martin's belief he has "higher powers" with Will Smith's association with the club, that he'll be able to "keep doing what he's been doing."

There was even a rumor mentioned an L.A. city councilmember "stuck his nose" into the matter.

Find out what's happening in Studio Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Xen Lounge will have an upcoming hearing with the city about its proposed changes.


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