Renovations cause excitement for city

Costa Mesa city officials voiced excitement over the renovation plan issued Friday by Triangle Square, calling the proposal a needed boost for a mall that has struggled over the years to be a major hub of commercial activity.

Even though the plan may change in the coming months, Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce President Ed Fawcett said, it is a promising start for a larger revitalization of the Westside.

“It’s a very creative use of a difficult property,” he said. “It’s a good first step. I think it can serve the downtown community very well, but it will be interesting to see, as it goes through the process of examination, what comes out of it and how it compares to the initial proposal.”

One difficulty, according to city planner Kimberly Brandt, may be fitting the housing units alongside the retail outlets.

The city’s General Plan, she said, allows no more than 20 residential units per acre.

“Obviously, Triangle Square is a key area in our community,” she said. “It’s right in the middle of our historical downtown. It’s always been a focal point in that area. “

City Councilwoman Katrina Foley said she hoped the city would extend the redesign beyond Triangle Square and install pedestrian bridges in the surrounding area.

The one disappointment, Foley said, would be losing the Edwards Cinemas that was a popular destination for her family.

“My boys will be sad,” she said.