FREMONT — Niles Hall, the banquet facility that was the site of two violent attacks earlier this year, has come under scrutiny, and as a result, the Planning Commission tonight will discuss modifying owner John Weed's use permit.

"Staff believes that owner's operation of the Niles Hall has led to an immediate and present danger to the public and patrons of the Niles Hall and surrounding community and that owner cannot be allowed to continue in this manner," a city staff report states.

Niles Hall is rented out for weddings, retirement parties, concerts, meetings and other social events. In February, a ruckus at the hall ended with one guest shot to death and another person run over by a car, according to the staff report.

In June, another alcohol-involved incident left five people with stab wounds and a sixth person with head injuries.

As a result, city staff members recommended that the Planning Commission amend the property owner's use permit as follows:

  • Alcohol would be prohibited at all times.

  • The facility would close by 10 p.m. Under the existing permit, the venue may be used until 2 a.m.

  • There would be one licensed security guard on duty for every 100 people present. City planner Barbara Meerjans said Wednesday that the staff is reconsidering the types of events at which guards must be present.

  • The owner would have to install a video surveillance system that's approved by the
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    police department, and security and safety lighting would have to conform to city regulations.

  • The owner would be responsible for all "extraordinary police services" linked to the hall's operations.

    Weed, who's also an Ohlone College trustee, called the city staff's report "poorly drafted" and full of inaccuracies.

    For example, the report stated that Weed failed to take all necessary steps to ensure adequate security after the February incident, as he had said he would.

    Weed said he did not recall making promises. But, he said, "I told (city staff members) I would take any recommendations the city had and would try to implement them. And we did."

    After the first violent incident, Weed said, he had a video surveillance camera installed, and the system was enhanced after the second incident. He's also canceled some events and limited new events to those considered "the lowest of low-risk."

    Additionally, Weed said, police had not received a single call of violence at the hall in the 13 years prior to February.

    "I believe it's a very beneficial event center for the community," he said.

    Weed did not specify which of the proposed amendments to the use permit he's opposed to, but city staff has recommended that commissioners consider revoking the permit entirely if Weed refuses to agree to the proposed new conditions.

    IF YOU GO
    nWHAT: Fremont Planning Commission meeting
    nWHEN: 7 tonight
    nWHERE: City Council Chambers, 3300 Capitol Ave., Fremont
    nINFORMATION: 510-494-4440 or www.ci.fremont.ca.us/cityhall/planningmeetings