Planners scrutinize Dunes plan

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- The controversial Dunes hotel and resort may move one

step closer to reality as the scaled-down version of the project takes

center stage at Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting.

“This is no rush to judgment,” said vice chairman Thomas Ashley, adding

that commissioners have spent more time than usual deliberating on the

project. “It is one of the more serious matters that has come before the

commission in the past four years.”

The in-depth consideration which began last October is in part due to the

mammoth size of the $100-million project. Commissioners and residents

have been wrestling with how the 68-foot-high hotel (at 10 feet above sea

level) will affect the surrounding community.

While commissioners instructed Dunes proponents to downsize because of

traffic and environmental concerns, they also want to ensure it’s not to

the detriment of the building’s aesthetics.

The newly downsized project includes a full-service hotel with 370 rooms

and 75 time-share units. There will also be 46,000 square feet of

conference space, swimming pools, a health spa and restaurants.

The hotel is estimated to produce $1.6 million in annual city revenue. If

approved, the resort is scheduled to open within the next three to five

years.

In line with the recent changes, a revised traffic study has been

released. Commissioners will review the study as well as continue to

discuss the height and bulk of the building, said chairman Ed Selich.

Commissioners will then explore the environmental effects the proposed

resort could have on the ecologically sensitive bay.

In order to get ahead on reviewing the project, the meeting will start an

hour early. Selich expects to begin discussion of the Dunes project by 7

p.m.

“We were moving really good at first,” he said. “I expect us to regain

our momentum.”

Commissioners predict they will make a final decision on the project next

month.

FYI

* WHAT: Planning Commission meeting

* WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday

* WHERE: Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd.