Plans for Controversial Halfway House in Costa Mesa Dropped in Surprise Move

In a surprise concession to residents, a father and son who are recovering alcoholics on Tuesday night withdrew a controversial proposal to build a 24-bed halfway house in a Costa Mesa neighborhood.

Don Ward, who with his son, Dee, had proposed the facility, conceded that the project had attracted unanticipated opposition.

Don Ward, however, said his group would mount an education campaign in the neighborhood and vowed to resubmit the proposal at a later date.

“We didn’t think we had the vote (on the City Council for the project) and we didn’t want to lose it,” Don Ward said after he requested that the plan be withdrawn rather than face a public hearing Tuesday night. “But we haven’t given up and intend to build a stronger case supporting the need for this facility.”

More than 50 homeowners who opposed the project packed the council chambers and cheered when Dee Ward announced that the project would be withdrawn before the scheduled public hearing began.

Gordon Beck, leader of an ad hoc group opposed to the project, claimed a victory for homeowners.

“We are surprised they withdrew this, but we’re very happy with the outcome,” Beck said.

The Wards sought permission to replace a six-bed facility in the 300 block of West Wilson Street, which they own, with a two-story building that would house 24 men and women recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction.

The city Planning Commission had voted 3 to 2 to recommend the plan, but the Wilson Park Homeowners Assn. and other neighbors appealed the vote to the City Council. They argued that the halfway house would decrease property values, increase traffic and pose a threat to children playing at Wilson Park. They also argued that it would increase the number of homeless people who camp at the park, which is known for late-night disturbances.

More than 650 people signed petitions opposing the project.

But the Wards pointed out that the cost of staying at the house, from $2,000 to $4,000 a month, would keep vagrants out. Most of the patients staying at the home would already have been treated elsewhere, they said.

The Wards wanted to provide round-the-clock treatment at the home, dubbed Harbor House. A professional staff from Parkside Medical Services Corp. would have overseen the operation, and about a quarter of the beds would have been available to the public on a walk-in basis.

Plans called for the 36,000-square-foot building to have an underground parking garage, offices and a kitchen with a view of neighboring Wilson Park. Construction costs were estimated at $800,000 and work had been scheduled to begin in the spring.

--ILLEGAL ALIEN PLAN: The Costa Mesa City Council voted 3 to 2 to gut a controversial ordinance barring funds to any group or agency serving illegal aliens. Part I, Page 1.