The Malibu City Council meeting on August 26, 2024, focused on significant concerns regarding traffic and safety issues related to the Nobu restaurant and its shared driveway with Soho House. Residents voiced their frustrations over the heavy congestion and lack of emergency access caused by the influx of vehicles, particularly during busy periods.

One resident highlighted the dangers posed by the current traffic situation, referencing a tragic incident from July 4, 2023, which resulted in the death of a man and injuries to a young Malibu resident. The speaker urged the council to consider revoking Nobu's conditional use permit (CUP) due to ongoing violations of city codes and the negative impact on local residents.

Benjamin Resnick, representing Nobu, responded by emphasizing the restaurant's efforts to address these concerns. He noted that Nobu had engaged traffic engineers to study the situation and had submitted proposals to improve circulation and parking. Resnick expressed a desire to collaborate with city officials to resolve the issues rather than being seen as adversaries.

Public comments also included calls for a reevaluation of the parking agreements between Nobu and Soho House, with suggestions that the current arrangements are inadequate for the high volume of traffic generated by both establishments. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of valet parking and the need for on-site parking solutions.

The council members acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the need for further discussions. They indicated a willingness to explore potential modifications to the existing agreements and to ensure that safety and accessibility for residents are prioritized in future planning.

As the meeting concluded, the council emphasized the importance of addressing these traffic and safety issues promptly, recognizing their impact on the community and the need for a balanced approach to managing the interests of local businesses and residents. Further discussions and potential actions will be scheduled in upcoming meetings.