PLANNING COMMISSION WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

The Planning Commission approved a second round of improvements for

the city’s south beach.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The project goes in tandem with a first round of improvements to the

beach restrooms, parking lots, signage and other elements of the south

beach. That first phase, which is scheduled to be completed in early

June, tackled the area from Beach Boulevard and Huntington Street.

The second phase would address the section from Huntington Street to

Huntington Pier.

In that work, the parking lot on the ocean side of Pacific Coast

Highway would be increased from 401 to 429 stalls. Also, the city plans

to build a new 12,000-square-foot lifeguard headquarters building, a

6,300-square-foot junior lifeguard headquarters and concession building,

attendant booths and three restroom buildings.

That phase is scheduled to begin in November and wrap up in early

2004. That section of the beach is scheduled to be closed during the

summer of 2003.

Vote: 6-0

IN FAVOR / AGAINST

WHAT HAPPENED:

The Planning Commission postponed a new ordinance governing cellular

towers.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The commission put off consideration of the new law until June 25. The

ordinance would identify all the cellular towers in the city and which

ones are no longer in operation. It would also put in place new standards

for where cellular poles could be installed.

The new planning requirements would make it easier for wireless

providers to install towers that are aesthetically pleasing. A tower

would be approved without a public hearing if it would be designed to

blend in to the urban environment.

Vote: 6-0

IN FAVOR / AGAINST

NEXT MEETING

When: June 11, 7 p.m.

Where: Council Chambers, 2000 Main St.