SAN CLEMENTE : City OKs Parking Outside Tennis Club

Despite objections from area residents who say additional parking will create unsafe conditions for motorists and pedestrians, the City Council has approved street parking on Avenida Vista Montana outside the Rancho San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Club.

The $5,000 project, which will reduce the width of a 12-foot median lane and a 16-foot driving lane, will result in about 40 additional spaces along the west side of the street. Parking is now prohibited on the street.

The reductions in the width of the lanes will allow the city to restripe the street to include an 8-foot-wide parking lane.

Lloyd Harline, owner of the tennis and fitness club, has agreed to pay the renovation costs and restrict parking to a maximum of six hours between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Harline told the City Council on Wednesday night that he has used all his available land and has been unable to ease the parking space crunch created when tennis tournaments overlap with other club activities.

Despite Harline’s assurance that street parking would be limited, residents pleaded with the City Council to deny the request.

Mike Poppe, president of the Pacific Shores Homeowners Assn., said his group opposed the request because parking will create traffic hazards with joggers and cars competing for street space. He noted that Avenida Vista Montana is the only street leading to the housing complex.

“I feel this facility should supply its own parking or find its own facility for parking,” said resident Craig Delahooke.

Members of the business community, however, supported Harline, who they said has provided a community service with the club since 1987.

“Please view this as a golden opportunity to say yes and show your continued support of business in San Clemente,” said Gina Borchers, a member of the club. She described searching for parking around the club as a “nightmare.”