INSIDE CITY HALL OUTDOOR CAR STORAGE...

INSIDE CITY HALL

OUTDOOR CAR STORAGE

The owners of a Westside car wash and gas station have bought

themselves some time, the Planning Commission agreeing to give them

another year to secure plans for car sales on site.

The property, owned by Beacon Bay Enterprises at 2059 Harbor

Blvd., filed a previous application to allow them to sell cars

outside. Plans call for the lot on the rear of the property, near

Charle Street, to store vehicles to be sold.

WHAT IT MEANS

Commissioners granted the extension, with the condition that the

owners finish their project within 90 days or take all the cars off

the outdoor lot until they do.

1901 NEWPORT

Planning commissioners continued discussion about probable plans

for 1901 Newport -- the striking Spanish-style building in the heart

of downtown -- saying residents should have more time to give their

input.

A mandatory environmental report that includes the possibility of

putting homes on the property was compiled to gauge the effects of

proposed developments on the neighborhood and environment. The

document -- formally known as the Draft Environmental Impact Report

-- is now available for public review at City Hall and Costa Mesa

libraries.

The Planning Commission invited residents’ comments as part of the

required 45-day review period. That period is scheduled to end Jan.

10, according to a staff report. Planners said residents should have

more time to give input given the timing of the report’s release

during the busy holiday season. Official public hearings on the

actual project begin in February.

WHAT IT MEANS

Commissioners will fight to extend the public comment period for

the proposed multiunit housing that has been suggested for the

northwest portion of the building formerly known as Pacific Savings

Plaza.

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Newport Harbor Animal Hospital gained Planning Commission

endorsement to expand and now looks to the City Council for final

approval.

Ken Millian, the hospital owner, wants to build a

6,000-square-foot addition without all the required parking spaces

designated by city code. Millian has proposed 39 parking spaces, and

the city requires 46, according to a staff report.

The hospital on Mesa Drive also asked to use the maximum number of

compact spaces allowed.

Planning commissioners recommended the project be approved.

WHAT IT MEANS

Council members will have the final say on the expansion project.

-- Compiled by Lolita Harper