COSTA MESA PLANNING COMMISSION WRAP-UP

HEARINGS POSTPONED

* What happened: The Planning Commission postponed two public hearings

until its next meeting Aug. 28.

The hearings were for a development proposal for a site at 2100 and

2130 Canyon Drive, and for permits for the Q-Club Cafe, 1525 Mesa Verde

Drive East.

* What it means: Instant Jungle Properties, LLC, owner of the Canyon

Drive property, had originally proposed a 22-unit development for the

site, but redesigned the plans after hearing neighbors’ and planning

staff’s concerns.

The new proposal includes 18 single-family homes, modified grading and

a plan to retain the existing ficus tree at the site.

The issue was continued to allow city consultants to change project

documents to reflect the new design proposal.

Q-Club Cafe has requested permits to upgrade its beer and wine license

to allow sales of hard alcohol, to add a 234-square-foot outdoor dining

and smoking patio, and to change its parking configuration to accommodate

the patio.

The existing and proposed permits were originally reviewed in June and

continued to Monday’s meeting, but planning staff failed to notify the

public that the permits would be reviewed then.

The issue was postponed to give staff time to give adequate public

notice.

VOTE: 5-0 / CONTINUED

SORRY, NO BOOZE

* What happened: The commission denied a beer and wine license request

for Roman’s Market, 2400 Newport Blvd., Suite A-3.

* What it means: The market, which sells convenience items and deli

products, will not be allowed to sell alcohol.

Four licenses are allowed in the neighborhood, according to state

Alcoholic Beverage Control, and five already exist.

The market is also in a high-crime area, a condition that prevents the

commission from granting an exception to the state Alcoholic Beverage

Control regulation.

* What they said: “It’s unfortunate that [the market] happens to be

located in a place that is high-crime and where there are already other

licenses,” said Commissioner Katrino Foley, speaking to Roman’s Market

representative Armanda Roman. “I feel for you and the work you do in the

store, but I just can’t find the requirements necessary to approve the

license.”

VOTE: 5-0 / DENIED