Corona del Mar Today: Sidewalk repairs are set to begin along Goldenrod

Sidewalk, curb and gutter repair work began last week in Corona del Mar along Goldenrod Avenue, the first part of a four-month project that will begin in the Flower streets and stretch to Newport Coast.

The project began Monday and is scheduled to be completed by May 9, said Tara Finnigan, a Newport Beach city spokeswoman.

The city’s website states that construction costs will be $433,950.

The work will replace sidewalks, curbs, gutters and cross gutters, including construction of curb access ramps for wheelchair access to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the website.

Crews have placed “no parking” signs along many Corona del Mar streets, including Fourth Avenue, and covered permanent parking street signs in areas where work is scheduled. The project also includes Harbor View Hills, Spyglass and Newport Coast neighborhoods.

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Remodeling at Rose Bakery

Rose Bakery Cafe is undergoing a major remodel, with crews repaving the outdoor seating area last week and interior work scheduled that will close the popular restaurant for about the last two weeks of January.

The restaurant remained open last week, although outdoor seating has been pushed to a few tables along the side of the building at 3536 E. Coast Hwy. Workers fenced off the main outdoor dining area, pulling up the asphalt in order to install pavers and a low gate that will separate it from the parking lot.

The interior remodel will begin Jan. 23 and close the restaurant until about Feb. 4 or 5, contractor Raymond Acosta said.

The work will include installing a fireplace, a television, new indoor and outdoor speakers, new floors and ceiling, along with new appliances and showcases.

“I’m kind of scared,” said owner Dai Lim. “It’s a lot of work, but it will be very nice. Our customers tend to crowd in one area, and the remodel will help with that congestion inside.”

The remodel will not increase seating at the restaurant, which the owners were granted in December 2010 after a second Planning Commission hearing.

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OneWest Bank prepares to open

A OneWest Bank branch will open this spring in the former Honeybaked Ham location at 3700 E. Coast Hwy.

OneWest Bank has been issued permits for construction, which began last week. A bank spokesman said that the building is being refurbished and should open in late April.

When it opens, OneWest will be the second bank in that block to open within a year, following Opus Bank’s opening at 3748 E. Coast Hwy. over the summer.

Honeybaked Ham closed in January 2011 after more than 30 years in business. In September, the property owner confirmed that a bank would be moving into the space.

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Homes to be built near Gallo’s

Plans continue to evolve for a development that could include six single-unit dwellings, subterranean parking and commercial building to built near Gallo’s Italian Deli in the 3900 block of East Coast Highway.

Late last month, city officials met with the project’s applicant and architect, according to a city memo. The Planning Division conducted an “all hands post-application” Development Review Committee meeting, the memo states, for the Plaza Corona del Mar project that would be located at 3900 and 3928 E. Coast Hwy.

“The project has gone through a series of changes, and now consists of the development of six detached single-unit dwellings with subterranean parking on the undeveloped site at 3928 E. Coast Hwy., and the addition of a 1,756-square-foot second floor commercial building constructed above and around the existing Gallo’s Deli building,” the memo states.

City staff from building, fire, utilities, public works and planning were able to offer detailed comments to the applicant and architect to ensure the project will meet the required codes, the memo states.

In April 2010, city memos mentioned plans to develop the lot. At that time, plans included underground parking and a three-level, seven-unit townhouse project along with an office to be built over the Gallo’s building.

The lot currently is used for holiday tree sales and is vacant most of the year.

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Annual city meeting is on a Monday

The Newport Beach annual goal-setting meeting, which is open to the public, will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Friends Room of the Central Library.

The meeting has traditionally been held at a local community center on a Saturday morning in January. But this year, Mayor Nancy Gardner wrote in her latest newsletter, “We were into February before we could find a Saturday that all council members could attend.” So the meeting will take place on a Monday evening instead.

“Everyone’s welcome to attend, but if you can’t and have thoughts, send me an email,” she wrote in her January newsletter. The mayor’s email is available and hyperlinked in her newsletter.

Twitter: @coronadelmartdy