More work may be needed for Newport Center project, planners say
While the size of a proposed 45-unit residential development slated for Newport Center has been reduced in the past several months, Newport Beach planning commissioners on Thursday indicated the plans may still need some tweaking.
The Planning Commission’s discussion Thursday of the 150 Newport Center project centered on the project’s height, footprint and compatibility with the surrounding area. The commission opted to host two public discussions about the development because of the project’s complexity, commissioners said.
Newport Center Anacapa Associates LLC has proposed building a six-story, 65-foot-tall project to replace the Beacon Bay Auto Wash and adjacent gas station on 1.26 acres the company owns along Newport Center Drive, near Anacapa Drive.
The building previously was proposed to be seven stories reaching 69 feet tall and including 49 residential units. However, the developer chose to reduce the size in the most recent plan.
The new proposal includes 15 two-bedroom townhomes, 26 two-bedroom condominiums and four penthouses — two with three bedrooms and two with two bedrooms.
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However, city staff is recommending that the commission cap the building at five stories, meaning it would reach a height of 55 feet, with mechanical equipment up to 61 feet. That alternative would keep the number of residential units at 45 but would increase the building’s footprint, staff said.
Commission Chairman Kory Kramer took issue with the sharply reduced setbacks that would result from a five-story building on the site. The proposal with five stories shows 15-foot setbacks, while the six-story version includes up to 34-foot setbacks from the street.
“I just can’t support a building with reduced setbacks and driveway issues,” Kramer said. “I think we need to look at the number of units that are appropriate on the site. I think some discussion of that is appropriate. I’m not sure 45 units is the right number.”
Commissioners also raised concerns that — even capped at 55 feet — the project would be taller than surrounding buildings.
Newport Center Anacapa Associates said in discussions with city staff that a height reduction to 55 feet would remove several amenities, including a lounge, a workout room and a catering facility that were proposed in earlier versions of the project.
Mike Lutton, a representative of the developer, said the project would significantly reduce water use and traffic, compared with the current car wash, and would fit the intent of the city’s general plan to create a walkable community in Newport Center.
“If you don’t like this from the standpoint of all the positive things that contribute to the community, then what do you want for the site?” he asked. “What we have is a wonderful project for the community.”
In its report, city staff wrote that it believes residential use is appropriate for the location and would further the general plan’s goal of expanding opportunities for residents to live close to jobs, businesses, entertainment and recreational activities. Commissioners indicated they are open to residential buildings in Newport Center.
“I think we have work to do on this as a commission, as a community and maybe the applicant has more work to do,” said Vice Chairman Peter Koetting.
The Planning Commission is expected to vote on the project Aug. 18. If the plan is approved, it would go to the City Council for consideration.
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Hannah Fry, hannah.fry@latimes.com
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
