Planners approve Target superstore

Andrew Glazer

COSTA MESA -- The Planning Commission on Monday approved a developer’s

revised blueprints for a giant Target store in the Halecrest

neighborhood.

The decision was made after the commission heard hours of testimony --

carried over from its last meeting and a study session -- from

neighboring residents opposed to the plans.

“My reaction is that the commission’s decision was premature,” said

Simone Wong-Easum, attorney for Al Morelli, who appealed the project two

weeks ago. Morelli said the project’s developer, Dayton Hudson Corp., has

not addressed neighbors’ concerns about noise and traffic. “I don’t

believe their noise and traffic reports are accurate. And there are more

facts coming.”

The new plans for the Target Greatland store included an agreement from

Dayton Hudson Corp. to spend $30,000 on a fountain outside the center.

The builder also agreed to leave a 15-foot space between the center’s

parking area and homes on adjacent Shamrock Lane.

Finally, and perhaps most significantly, Dayton Hudson agreed to

restrictions preventing it from selling parcels of the site to more than

two other companies. Commissioners were concerned that it would be

difficult to coordinate more owners to redevelop or sell the site if the

Target store moved or closed in the future.

Morelli owns two homes on Shamrock Lane next to the 17-acre project site

at 3030 Harbor Boulevard. On Monday, he reiterated that the developer

left him and neighbors out of the planning process.

At the Feb. 28 Planning Commission meeting, Morelli spent an hour and a

half explaining 34 problems he had with the development. His greatest

concern, he repeated Monday, was a proposed garden center that he said

would bring noisy cars close to his two homes.

Commission chairman Walt Davenport asked Morelli to respond only to the

developer’s revised plan. Perhaps he sensed another marathon session from

Morelli after he brought a chair to the podium.

“We all know your basis for appeal,” Davenport said. “I don’t think

anybody would benefit from hearing this again.”

Morelli, who has stated repeatedly he welcomes a “neighborhood-friendly

Target,” did not return calls for comment. His attorney said the two

haven’t decided if they will appeal the project again.

“In the last two weeks, I’ve done a lot of soul-searching,” Morelli said

Monday night. “If this keeps going, I think I’ll change my mind.”

The Target plan will now be put before the City Council for final

approval.