MISSION VIEJO : Restaurant Complex Decision Delayed

Concerned about turning Marguerite Parkway into a “restaurant row,” the Planning Commission has delayed a decision on plans for a three-restaurant complex near La Paz Road.

Located near a large residential neighborhood, the proposed 4.9-acre project is opposed by nearby residents who fear the area will be choked with restaurant-goers.

“My biggest concern is over the intensity of the development,” said Planning Commission Chairwoman Sherri Butterfield. “There’s enough parking in the plans, but it’s not just a matter of parking ratios. There could be too many delivery trucks, too many people going back and forth.”

The Mission Viejo Co., which brought the plans before the commission, will meet today with an architectural committee consisting of Butterfield and Planning Commission member Sunnie Castner. The commission will consider the project again on Jan. 4.

Company officials say that studies show traffic would be within acceptable levels. They also maintain that the area is properly zoned for restaurants.

But residents are concerned about restaurant traffic clogging side streets near the proposed site, although company officials contend that most patrons would use heavily traveled Marguerite Parkway.

The project is supported by city staff members, who cite a relative lack of restaurant business in Mission Viejo.

Butterfield said she would like the city to have control over the type of restaurant that takes up residence in the proposed complex. Restaurants that have a significant bar business would not be compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood, she said.

The city might restrict alcohol use at the proposed restaurants by attaching conditions to any building permit, Butterfield said.

The company proposes attracting restaurant chains such as Mrs. Knott’s, Olive Garden or Hamburger Hamlet. The development firm also indicated a potential option for scaling the project down to a pair of restaurants and using the extra space for retail stores.