E-Z Lube in Newport isn’t an easy sell -- and should not be

Laura Dietz

Newport Beach Councilman Dennis O’Neil made it very clear to the

president of E-Z Lube that he didn’t believe there would be support

in Newport Beach for E-Z Lube if the company had three months or a

year to try to garner it (“Newport Beach City Council wrap-up,”

Friday).

Moments before, the E-Z Lube representative, Ken Genser, had

requested that the City Council grant a continuance until January

2003 to allow more time “to educate the public.”

When the Planning Commission voted down the project in May, the

City Council in June granted E-Z Lube a 60-day extension during which

time to get any support, despite having already made presentations to

the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce and Corona del Mar Residents

Assn. boards with no indication of support from either.

Councilwoman Norma Glover provided some useful history of the

experience of Jiffy Lube, on Mariner’s Mile, which she warned would

have difficulty making the site profitable because most residents,

Glover added, “take their cars to the dealer.”

E-Z Lube President Mike Dobson addressed the council, claiming

that he had the impression that the council would grant an extension

and, at the last minute, it wasn’t feasible for him “to bring people

here who support the project.” The claim was made that the project

was misunderstood, that he expected the council to vote on the

“merits of the project” as opposed to preconceived notions.

Councilman Steve Bromberg suggested that a two-week extension

would give them time to contact their supporters. Again, O’Neil of

Corona del Mar could not have made it clearer. “I’ll be dumbfounded

if you can find one resident in the city who’ll support it.”

Numerous individuals from the public made comments all in

opposition to the E-Z Lube, citing parking problems and the project’s

inconsistency with the community’s Vision 2004 plan. Closing the

public hearing, the council gave E-Z Lube a four-week extension until

Sept. 24, perhaps to test the applicant’s contention that there were

individuals in support of the project.

While the community has been consistent and clear about the

project, any problems with perception seem to be coming from the

owner of E-Z Lube, Dobson.

While one can appreciate his desire to expand into this affluent

community, the project has not been supported by one community

leader. It’s truly amazing how the expression “not here” does not

seem to be penetrating Dobson’s mind-set.

To save himself time, money and frustration, I sincerely hope that

he will accept the reality of the situation. All the grease in the

world is not going to make this slide through on Sept. 24.

* LAURA DIETZ is a Corona del Mar resident and City Council

candidate running against Dick Nichols and Bernie Svalsted for the

council seat now occupied by O’Neill, who is termed out.