Just came down.
Some background: Super Arcade was an arcade in the city of Walnut who used to house Fighting Game Community tournaments including Wednesday Night Fights (Street Fighter IV, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, etc) and Super Smash Sunday featuring Super Smash Brothers Melee, among other FGC tournaments.
Last year, they had to shut down as they could not negoiate a new lease. After looking for a new location in Walnut, Mike Watson, the owner of Super Arcade found a location in Azusa. Today was the decision for the permit to allow running an arcade in the city.
The council voted 3-1 against the arcade listing several reasons included but not limited to:
- Would rather have retail vs. an arcade.
- Previous issues with the owner of the mall where the arcade would be located.
- Argued that fighting games such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat were not in fact, 'high quality'.
- Potential public urination issues.
- People who already hang out in the mostly deserted Mall area causing problems late at night (after midnight).
People are currently blowing up the City of Azusa twitter account for the decision.
https://twitter.com/cityofazusa
https://twitter.com/search?q=City of azusa&src=typd&vertical=default&f=tweets
Suffice to say, people are angry at the decision.
Edit: The city of Azusa did approve Scrabble night.
For those want watch the archive of the city council meeting.
http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/6560029?t=0h32m00s
Edit: Looks like Watson will have another chance in 3 weeks.
Edit: Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roch7fbWJYo
Edit: Watson and Super Arcade was formally denied a permit by the City Planning commission. This was their reasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5RsJ0drH14
Full archive of the 2nd appeal: http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/7729317
And here's commentary by Mondo, who used to be an employee of Super Arcade.
http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/7742108
EDIT:
BLUE SHIRT HERO PASSIONATE SPEECH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwPvAoK5XyY&feature=youtu.be
Some background: Super Arcade was an arcade in the city of Walnut who used to house Fighting Game Community tournaments including Wednesday Night Fights (Street Fighter IV, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, etc) and Super Smash Sunday featuring Super Smash Brothers Melee, among other FGC tournaments.
Last year, they had to shut down as they could not negoiate a new lease. After looking for a new location in Walnut, Mike Watson, the owner of Super Arcade found a location in Azusa. Today was the decision for the permit to allow running an arcade in the city.
The council voted 3-1 against the arcade listing several reasons included but not limited to:
- Would rather have retail vs. an arcade.
- Previous issues with the owner of the mall where the arcade would be located.
- Argued that fighting games such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat were not in fact, 'high quality'.
- Potential public urination issues.
- People who already hang out in the mostly deserted Mall area causing problems late at night (after midnight).
People are currently blowing up the City of Azusa twitter account for the decision.
https://twitter.com/cityofazusa
https://twitter.com/search?q=City of azusa&src=typd&vertical=default&f=tweets
Cat ‏@Eidelonn 24s24 seconds ago
I am appalled @cityofazusa that you would rather have an empty space with zero tax revenue than a legitimate business there. #superarcade
Kilano ‏@Kilanbro 24s24 seconds ago
@cityofazusa never saw a board acting less information before in my life. they want change, but don't want it? im sorry for the donut shop
AS|SDRHellPockets ‏@HellPockets 58s59 seconds ago
.@cityofazusa I'm questioning what is an appropriate usage of that space if its already a problem area you don't want to be in past midnight
*RetweetForAnime ‏@RetweetForAnime 1m1 minute ago
Sad to hear @cityofazusa ruined a great opportunity. They should of said yes to the arcade being opened.
Bill Smith ‏@1up_ThrillHo 1m1 minute ago
I think the city of Azusa is about to find out just how loud and pissed off the FGC can get. #TanShirtHero tried his best.
*TanShirtHero was the only councilman who voted yes.
Ryan Tang ‏@ryanjtang 2m2 minutes ago
the @cityofazusa really screwed up by denying @SuperDojo tonight. this is a WORLD RENOWNED business for competitive arcade players
DJ ten4 ‏@thedjten4 2m2 minutes ago
@CityOfAzusa you have made a grave mistake today denying a very legitimate, community supporting business. Props to #tanshirthero for trying
犬ー執事 ‏@Saikyo_Husky 2m2 minutes ago
Sorely disappointed in @cityofazusa's decision. Was not an informed opinion, instead rife with bias and lack of information.
DJ_Heehobringer@CEO ‏@Silkylinks 3m3 minutes ago
@TenshiMatic Got denied because the city of Azusa would rather have an empty lot until "retail' comes to make them money.
hueHueHue ‏@kevinquach3 3m3 minutes ago
@cityofazusa denying the arcade was the worst decision you could of made. Your city is shit
Johnny Wong ‏@tehfogo 4m4 minutes ago
.@cityofazusa So much time and effort wasted on misinformed council members. I can't believe that you guys denied Super Arcade.
Suffice to say, people are angry at the decision.
Edit: The city of Azusa did approve Scrabble night.
For those want watch the archive of the city council meeting.
http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/6560029?t=0h32m00s
Edit: Looks like Watson will have another chance in 3 weeks.
@KingTomahawk: Round 2 confirmed! 3 weeks and @Superdojo gets another shot!
Watson is going to get a run back in 3 weeks.
Edit: Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roch7fbWJYo
Edit: Watson and Super Arcade was formally denied a permit by the City Planning commission. This was their reasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5RsJ0drH14
Full archive of the 2nd appeal: http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/7729317
And here's commentary by Mondo, who used to be an employee of Super Arcade.
http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/7742108
EDIT:
BLUE SHIRT HERO PASSIONATE SPEECH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwPvAoK5XyY&feature=youtu.be