ON THE AGENDA Here are some of...

ON THE AGENDA

Here are some of the items the council will consider tonight.

CHANGE TO THE GENERAL PLAN

The property owner of 330 and 340 W. Bay St. has submitted a

screening request to change the general plan designation from general

commercial to medium density residential. The 3.7-acre site has been

the site of The Daily Pilot for more than 50 years. The owner plans

to develop housing on the land.

There are several issues staff recommend be discussed, including

an expansion of the area to have a zoning change to include three

underused commercial lots that front Newport Boulevard. These may be

suitable for residential development if they are combined with the

development of this site and soil contamination is resolved, staff

members say.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Staff recommends this request be accepted for further review and

analysis and that the study area be expanded to include the adjacent

parcels on Newport Boulevard.

COMMERCIAL RECREATION ZONE

On the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the council will

direct staff to research amendments to the general plan, the zoning

code or both to encourage development and retention of commercial

recreation uses.

In March, Commissioner Katrina Foley said she would be interested

in the adoption of general plan objectives or policies on indoor

recreation, including bowling, ice skating and skateboarding.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Staff estimates that at least 80 to 100 hours of staff time would

be required to pursue this proposal.

REQUEST FOR REHEARING

On July 7, the council made some changes in the field sizes and

outfield fence dimensions for the three softball fields at the

TeWinkle Park Athletic Complex. The actions taken would require the

removal or relocation of at least 36 mature trees, a picnic shelter

and concrete walkways.

On July 14, Councilman Chris Steel requested a rehearing on behalf

of the Mesa del Mar Homeowners Assn..

WHAT TO EXPECT

“It is a rehearing request, which means [Steel] has to convince

three other members,” Mayor Gary Monahan said. “There is not a

tradition for public comment, so public testimony is not expected.”

-- Compiled by Deirdre Newman