A new pizza restaurant in a quiet Sunset Hill neighborhood has been stirring up opposition recently with fears of amplified music.

Pizzeria Picolino, 6415 32nd Ave. N.W., now under construction in a row of storefronts, has applied for a liquor and music license. The city of Seattle grants music licenses and the state approves liquor licenses.

Edward McKenna, assistant Seattle city attorney, said the city is currently negotiating with Pizzeria Picolino on their music license. He said the city is having conversations with Pizzeria Picolino to alleviate the public's and the city's concerns.

McKenna said his department has received 80 responses to Pizzeria Picolino's license application and 80 percent of those were against.

"We take public comment into consideration, (it is) useful information on potential issues," said McKenna.

In granting a music license, the city does not allow "unreasonable noise."

Wording in Pizzeria Picolino's application, which stated "amplified music" would be played, caused most of the concern.

Tom Bailiff, managing member of Schoffman Holdings which owns the building, said a number of people have stopped by and expressed their worries about the music level.

Bailiff said he held discussions with his immediate neighbors and has eliminated "amplified" live music from his application.

"I've heard that folks will appreciate a family-friendly place to eat, though I've also heard some concern about the clientele of a place serving hard liquor," said Robert Drucker, vice president of the Sunset Hill Community Association. "I'm sure people welcomed his letter to the editor (News-Tribune, May 28) and are pleased that the music won't be amplified."

Bailiff said if he were a neighbor he would not tolerate loud music either.

There will be piano music in the bar and it will be played at a level to allow customers to hold conversations, he said.

Bailiff said he wanted to clear up misconceptions that were the result of what he called rumors and blogs regarding Pizzeria Picolino's intentions.

"This will be a place for a quiet meal," Bailiff said. The building will be insulated for noise and every wall and ceiling will deaden sound.

"If people are sensitive, you accommodate them," said Bailiff. "They have a right to a peaceful environment at home. People are sensitive and we will be careful. There will be no music outside.

"It's not in my interest to irritate people. It would be a poor business decision to agitate. This is not a place to rock out."

Pizzeria Picolino has submitted an application to the state for a Spirits, Beer and Wine license, formerly referred to as a Class H License.

Most liquor licenses granted in Washington are for Spirits, Beer and Wine according to Brian Smith, communications director for the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

Smith said his department looks at the background of anyone selling alcohol to the public and does ask the public to weigh in with their opinions.

The department does not receive many objections to Spirits, Beer and Wine licenses, said Smith.

Ballard resident Stephen Lundgren, who lives one block south of Pizzeria Picolino, is more worried about traffic and the lack of parking. Spill over parking from the restaurant's customers could fill neighborhood streets.

Bailiff feels there will be enough street parking. Some businesses on the street close by 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. and will free up parking.

He also wants to approach the owner of a blue building adjacent to his corner about renting 10 spaces that go unused on that property.

Bailiff said his restaurant could bring business to other stores on the street.

"The neighborhood could use something there," said resident Lundgren. "I hope they treat it sensitively. I credit the owner for doing business there. We could use a good restaurant there."

Pizzeria Picolino will have seating for 80 customers. The building has five storefronts which will be used for an art gallery, two rooms for the restaurant, another for a coffee and dessert bar and the northern-most space will be for rent.

The property includes an outside patio area with plants used for noise abatement. Although he had no plans for music in the patio, Bailiff said a trellis will have golden hops growing on it over a canopy and a fence will have vines. The west side of the building will also eventually be covered with vegetation to further reduce noise.

McKenna said his department could make a decision on Pizzeria Picolino's music license by this week.

Dean Wong may be contacted at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com