Debate continues on Samoa Place house

Jason Soifer

COSTA MESA -- Searching for an outcome acceptable to all parties, the

City Council will once again discuss the fate of a three-story house at

Samoa Place.

The council, which has been dealing with construction issues relating to

the house since mid-June, will hear from homeowners Tracy Stevenson and

boyfriend Joseph Warner.

Stevenson and Warner are appealing the Planning Commission’s decision to

deny them a 15-foot, 7-inch front setback for the home.

Councilman Joe Erickson acknowledged that the city has to take some

responsibility for the haggling going on between the homeowners, the

commission and the council.

“I think there is some fault with the city and the city needs to address

that,” Erickson said.

Erickson, who has visited the site a number of times, is waiting to hear

from all sides before making a decision and would like to see an end to

the issue in a timely manner.

“I hope the property owner can work things out,” he said. “We would like

to resolve the issue for all parties.”

Alan Baer, Stevenson’s neighbor, said he has been stopped by a number of

people walking by who have commented on the home.

Baer said there are numerous neighbors opposed to the appeal by Stevenson

and Warner.

“From the beginning, I have been looking for the construction of a home

that was compliant with the codes of the city,” Baer said.

Other items on today’s City Council agenda include discussion of 18th

Street parking lot maintenance and the approval of a license agreement

with Southern California Edison for $1,135.00 a year for 10 years to use

a portion of Gisler Park.

The Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club also has asked the council to

approve plans to install a memorial plaque to honor former Councilman

Eric Johnson at the 14th hole of Los Lagos Golf Course. The council is

expected to approve the request.