PLACENTIA : Office Project OKd for Publishing Firm

Construction of an office building on a piece of prime commercial property will begin in March despite arguments by some city officials that the parcel should be used for other purposes.

The council passed ordinances this week paving the way for McMullen Publishing to build a new office building on Placentia Avenue adjacent to Brian Chuchua’s Jeep Inc.

“This is a welcome addition for the city,” said Peter Gustaf, attorney for both McMullen Publishing and Brian Chuchua’s Jeep. “Their organization will be a real plus factor for the city.”

City Councilwoman Maria Moreno said she favors the site but had long considered the spot to be ideal for senior housing.

“In all honesty, I am disappointed that we couldn’t see a business that would provide a service for the people,” Moreno said.

The office building will occupy space now used by the auto dealership as a helicopter landing pad. McMullen Publishing, which publishes automotive magazines, will employ architecture called “different” and “modern” by Joyce Rosenthal, director of development services.

“It’s something we haven’t seen before in Placentia,” Rosenthal said. “It will be a very good-looking building.”