City Moves Against Montrose Collection

Neighbors of the Montrose Collection Restaurant and Banquet Hall testified against the facility in a license revocation hearing Wednesday before the city zoning administrator.

Glendale Neighborhood Services is proceeding against the establishment, charging it is operating full time as a banquet hall.

The restaurant, at 2832-33 Honolulu, is owned by Armen Alvazian and Levon Migtroyen. It has been operating since last April, on the site where the BRIC Montrose formerly was located.

Neighborhood Services inspector Rene Sada said he has visited the site numerous times during his investigation, and never found restaurant customers there. Under its permit, the restaurant can only use 30 percent of its space for banquets, and must be open for walk-in service.

Neighbors Robert and Shirley Thompson, Loren Harris and Roberta Medford testified that the restaurant is open only for banquets, with customers remaining until 2 or 3 a.m. and disturbing the neighborhood with noise. They charged that valets use all available parking spaces, block driveways and add to the noise.

Private planning consultant Janelle Williams testified that the place is always open for meal service, and specifics of complaints have not been referred to the owner. Hearing officer Edith Fuentes said she has also received a letter from attorney Sheldon Baker asking for more details about the proceeding.

Margaret Hammond, who has mounted a citywide campaign against banquet halls, echoed complaints of noise, garbage and illegal parking. She said she has attempted to eat at the place and been rebuffed.

Co-owner Armen Alvazian insisted the restaurant is open to the public, that there is sufficient parking, and that much of the trash behind the establishment comes from other people.

Glendale police officer Bill Turley said the department has responded to 15 calls about the site in the 11 months it has been open. He said no ABC license for liquor sales is listed in the owners' name. Alvazian said the previous license was shifted to him 20 days ago.

Fuentes said she will accept written testimony until the end of the month, and then issue a ruling. Decision could run from revocation to new conditions of operation to no action.