NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION PREVIEW

Here are some items the planning commission will consider today.

CHURCH EXPANSIONOur Lady Queen of Angels Church on Mar Vista Drive plans to add to its facilities, partly by incorporating some of the St. Mark Presbyterian Church site. The expansion would include a new sanctuary, 10 classrooms and a gym.

Officials plan to increase the school’s enrollment gradually over six years, and construction would be in phases through 2009. A traffic study of the plans suggests that the school try to stagger its start time so it’s not too close to when Corona del Mar High School — right next door — starts its day. A hearing will be held, but planning department staff suggest discussing the expansion plans again on Sept. 7.

RESTAURANT PERMITResidents living near the Newport Beach Brewing Co. on Newport Boulevard complained earlier this year about noise from the restaurant and the behavior of its patrons, so the commission agreed in May to study the issue further. Tonight they’ll likely hear from Cannery Village residents, who sent a detailed letter about their complaints and charge that the restaurant has violated its city permit.

Representatives of the restaurant will probably make their case, and they may be willing to make changes to pacify neighbors. Planning commission staffers recommended several steps to improve the situation, such as moving the main entrance from the back parking lot off a side street to Newport Boulevard and preparing a security plan for the restaurant.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Angry neighbors will likely speak about their concerns, and restaurant officials may want to respond. Depending on what the commission hears, members may decide to modify the restaurant’s permit.

— Compiled by Alicia Robinson