COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

COMMUNITY GARDEN

In an effort to bring some horticulture to the Westside, council

members will review tonight a grant application for the funding of a

community garden on Charle and Hamilton streets.

The same, small Westside plot was rejected as a possible site for a

skate park last year. Now instead of promoting the adrenaline rushes of

skaters, the property may serve as a calming sanctuary for gardeners.

Staff in the Public Service Department suggest the city apply for

funding from the Murray-Hayden Urban Parks and Youth Service grant

program, which is accepting applications for the development of

recreation facilities in “highly urbanized and underserved communities.”

What to expect:

Council members are expected to approve the request for funding.

TWO-STORY ADDITION

Councilman Chris Steel wants the City Council to review a previous

city decision to allow a Westside homeowner to construct a second story,

saying the addition could compromise the “integrity” of the neighborhood.

Last month, the city zoning administrator approved the addition of a

second story to a home on Aviemore Terrace, as well as the expansion of

the ground floor. According to a staff report, the proposed change

required a review because it called for a 1,154-square-foot master

bedroom suite on the top floor and the city needed to ensure the “remodel

[was] compatible with its neighborhood.”

The city found the addition to be harmonious with the surrounding

homes because many other residences have added second floors, the report

stated.

What to expect:

Council members are expected to uphold the approval.

SUSAN STREET

The City Council will vote whether to support a resolution advocating

a new Susan Street offramp, designed to give direct access to the Home

Ranch site just north of the San Diego Freeway.

Designs for the offramp have not been approved by state transportation

officials and the proposed resolution would officially state the city’s

endorsement of the project.

While the new offramp was not officially part of the developer’s

application to the city, it was touted as a community benefit, as it is

designed to move traffic off Fairview Road and Harbor Boulevard.

A staff report from the department of transportation said the city has

supported the approval of the Susan Street offramp because it would solve

existing traffic woes without costing the taxpayers a dime.

Susan Street designs must undergo environmental review before they are

forwarded to transportation authorities for approval.

What to expect:

The council is expected to approve the resolution.

FYI

* WHAT: Costa Mesa City Council meeting

* WHEN: 6:30 p.m. today

* WHERE: Council Chambers at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.

* INFORMATION: (714) 754-5225

* Compiled by Lolita Harper