COSTA MESA PLANNING COMMISSION WRAP-UP
WHAT HAPPENED:
The Planning Commission approved design plans for a skateboard park on
Charle Street. The plans call for ramps, half-pipes and rails for varying
levels of skaters, a shaded area for spectators and restrooms with
compost toilets.
Last year, City Council members approved plans to build the skate park
at Lions Park but later retreated from the plan when neighbors objected.
The City Council is scheduled to review the park Oct. 16.
Different members of the Planning Commission also recommended that the
City Council consider adding more park benches for parents, remove a
fence from the plans, prohibit scooters at the park, designate the park
as a smoke-free zone, extend its hours during the summer and rethink the
lighting.
WHAT IT MEANS:
The park, scheduled to open in July 2001 if approved by the City
Council, is expected to cost $603,472. About $75,000 of the cost would be
designated to construct the restroom facilities.
The city’s parks and recreation department approved the design plans
in August despite a controversy concerning the location. Some
commissioners said they didn’t think it was the right site but voted to
approve the plans in order to avoid further delays. At the same meeting,
former parks commissioner Michael Scheafer resigned, citing a city
attorney’s office recommendation that he abstain from voting on the skate
park issue.
WHAT THEY SAID:
“They gave us a bum site, but it’s going forward because no one wants
to battle anymore,” said Paul Schmitt, a Costa Mesa resident. “I
understand, although I’m disappointed. I’m happy to see it going forward.
I just wish it was at a community park or something.”
VOTE: APPROVED, 5-0
WHAT HAPPENED:
The commission decided to continue the public hearing on a proposed
54-acre expansion of the Performing Arts and Town Center area until Oct.
9. In August, commissioners held a public hearing on plans to turn the
center into a cultural arts district.
WHAT IT MEANS:
Plans call for a 2,500-seat symphony hall, 140,000-square-foot art
museum, 140-seat expansion of South Coast Repertory, three office
buildings and two parking structures on land bordered by Bristol Street,
Sunflower Avenue, Avenue of the Arts and the San Diego Freeway.
The issue is also scheduled to be continued at the Oct. 23 meeting for
further discussion.
WHAT THEY SAID:
“They’re really trying to make it into a cultural arts center, with
art being the theme throughout the whole square,” said Commissioner Tom
Sutro. “I think it will be just another location that the citizens can be
very proud of, and it’s a real treat to be able to have it here in our
own backyard. They’ll know if they’re looking for some type of art,
symphonies or plays, they won’t have to go far. It’s 10 minutes from the
parking lot to the pillow.”
VOTE: APPROVED, 5-0
WHAT HAPPENED:
The Planning Commission approved a request to extend a temporary
classroom building permit at Kline School on Magnolia Street. The
property owner, Lighthouse Coastal Community Church, is appealing the
city zoning administrator’s denial of the request. Initial approval of
the permit expired in May.
The issue had been on the Sept. 11 agenda -- the first day of school
-- but was postponed to give city staff members and the Planning
Commission time to visit the site while school was in session.
WHAT IT MEANS:
City staff is recommending approval of the temporary classroom
building permit with several conditions. They include requiring the
church provide handicapped accessibility, close two gutters, remove
weeds, add landscaping, resurface and restripe the parking lot, provide a
trash bin, designate a play yard, install planters, construct a wall and
submit a drop-off and pickup plan.
VOTE: APPROVED, 5-0
WHAT HAPPENED:
The commission approved property owners Marco and Martha Velastegui’s
request to operate an Ambry Genetics medical laboratory in three suites
of an industrial building at 2060 Placentia Ave.
WHAT IT MEANS:
The lab will be used to analyze samples collected away from the site.
Because the proposed lab would not collect samples, it should not create
parking or traffic problems, according to the city staff report. The lab
would be prohibited from providing on-site patient services.
VOTE: APPROVED, 5-0
NEXT MEETING:
WHO: Costa Mesa Planning Commissioners
WHAT: Regular meeting
WHERE: City Hall, 77 Fair Drive
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9
INFORMATION: (714) 754-5245
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