New medical building OKd

The Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday voted 6 to 1 to approve plans for a 25,000-square-foot medical building on Old Newport Boulevard, despite residents’ objections that the two- story structure would be too big.

The residents won a few concessions after bringing their complaints to the council, including limited trash pickup times.

Cardiologist Emanuel Shaoulian wants to build the medical offices, which would replace some old office buildings, and an apartment and a parking lot at 340, 332 and 328 Old Newport Blvd.

Shaoulian vowed to the council that the stone, stucco and metal building would benefit the community by generating jobs and tax revenue, as well as medical care.

“I have done everything in my power to make this a better community,” Shaoulian said. “I am a perfectionist. I fix hearts and everything has to be perfect, or there are consequences.”

Residents on Holmwood Drive in Newport Heights claim that the medical offices will bring more traffic and parking problems to their neighborhood, which is already overwhelmed with overflow parking from nearby businesses and beachgoers.

The building would take up twice the allowable building space permitted in the area under the city’s general plan.

“To have one homeowner or landowner being held to one standard and to hold the neighboring businesses and the residents to another would be a shame,” resident Eric Sanders said.

A few Newport Heights business owners and residents also spoke in support of the project.

“As property owners, I think it’s a definite positive,” said Barbara Rawlings, who owns a business on Old Newport Boulevard. “I think it will enhance our street.”