Dunes project on shifting sands

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- The Planning Commission tonight will tackle the

environmental report on the Newport Dunes resort project.

But Commissioner Mike Kranzley said another meeting or two would come and

go before commissioners make their final decision regarding the

$100-million proposal.

“It depends on how [tonight] goes,” Kranzley said, adding that the

commission will be taking questions and comments on the report.

In previous meetings, the commissioners were trying to make sure they had

all the necessary information before proceeding with reviewing the

project, he added.

“It will be an interesting night,” he said.

The proposed project includes a full-service hotel with 400 rooms and 100

time-share units along with 55,000 square feet of conference space,

swimming pools, a health spa and restaurants. Estimates show the resort

would bring $1.3 million in annual city revenue. If approved, the hotel

is scheduled to open within the next five years.

While a commission decision is just around the corner, it appears

proponents still have a long road ahead before they are able to convince

surrounding communities of the proposal’s merits. Some are wavering in

both directions.

Two weeks ago, the Bayside Village homeowners association indicated in a

letter to the commission that it supported the Dunes project. In

negotiations, Dunes project managers had proposed building a gatehouse in

front of the community and moving the sound wall closer to Dunes

property. The compromise addressed some of the more serious traffic and

noise concerns residents had.

But the move angered a number of Bayside Village residents who had

previously signed and sent letters to the commission protesting the

project. At the following planning meeting, Bayside association president

Jo Smallwood further confused commissioners by announcing that the

association could not give its endorsement.

Commission chair Ed Selich said the community members who spoke at the

last meeting were split between those who supported the project and those

who didn’t. While some think the upscale proposal will increase their

property values, others fear it will simply bring more traffic and noise

to the already crowded area.

Before the commission reviews the controversial Dunes project, it will

also look at three other items. These include two residents’ requests to

construct a 15-foot wall at Dolphin Terrace and a proposal to construct a

new home on Shell Street. Buddha’s Favorite, a takeout restaurant, wants

to convert into a full-service eating and drinking establishment.

FYI

The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. at Newport Beach City Hall, 3300

Newport Blvd.