ANAHEIM : German Club’s Site OKd Despite Protest

Plans to relocate a German social club to make way for the Anaheim Arena hit a snag Tuesday when property owners next door to the club’s new site protested the move to the City Council.

Despite the complaint, the council voted 3 to 1 to give the club permission to operate from the site. The Phoenix Club German Assn. of Orange County broke ground for its new club last weekend and expects to open it next April.

Newport Federal, owners of the adjacent property, which is now leased for an adult education program, say the club’s beer garden and social activities are not compatible with the area. They asked for a full environmental review of the relocation site, and asked the council to deny a permit the club needs to operate there.

Peter Mendel, an attorney for Newport Federal, declined to comment on the council’s decision. Newport Federal and the city have been in a legal dispute since November concerning how the property should be used.

In response to Newport Federal’s concerns, the city imposed some new requirements on the Phoenix Club, including the provision of extra parking spaces during special events. In addition, the club agreed to not offer some attractions, such as balloon rides.

The property next door to the new club site is leased to the North Orange County Community College District, which operates an adult education program there.

Relocating the Phoenix Club German Assn. of Orange County was part of a complex series of land swaps that cleared property for the city’s arena on Douglass Road near Anaheim Stadium.