Alhambra : Limits on Karaoke OKd

The City Council on Monday passed an emergency measure to stop the growth of karaoke establishments for 45 days.

During this time, no permits will be issued to expand or open karaoke facilities in city restaurants and businesses.

Karaoke has come under fire from police and residents who worry that it attracts illegal activities, including violent crime, prostitution and alcohol abuse.

The city plans to develop regulations for karaoke facilities. The measure does not affect private use of karaoke machines.

In other action, the council temporarily imposed stricter standards on areas now zoned as high density. No new construction will be allowed on a third of the city’s residential property while city officials consider rezoning the area.

In an effort to protect established neighborhoods from becoming overbuilt, the city has been re-evaluating all high- and medium-density areas for possible down-zoning. Last November, the council reviewed medium-density properties and rezoned some for single-residence status.