Huntington Beach : Citizens’ Group Opposes Pierside Development

A newly formed citizen’s group that supports slower-paced development has filed an appeal against the City Planning Commission’s recent approval of a proposed commercial village on Pacific Coast Highway.

In doing so, the group--known as Huntington Beach Tomorrow--has forced the City Council to schedule a public hearing before the council votes on the $27-million Pierside Village project next month.

“I think the project is too large,” said Tom Harman, a spokesman for the group. “It’s four stories high and will block the view of the ocean.”

Among the group’s other concerns, Harman said, was inadequate parking and that the city “rushed into” the 76,000-square-foot redevelopment project.

“Gosh darn it,” Harman added, “citizens are entitled to see what they’re buying and paying for. They (the council) have denied the citizens that right. That’s why we filed the appeal.”

Mike Adams, a spokesman for the city’s redevelopment agency, said the council has tentatively scheduled the public hearing for Oct. 13.

City officials describe the proposed Pierside Village as a “festival marketplace,” a Mediterranean-like structure with 55 specialty shops, three major restaurants and 12 fast food outlets.

The city planning commission approved the project on Sept. 16 by a 4 to 3 vote.