COSTA MESA : Residential Hotel to Get Council Review

Costa Mesa Village, the county’s first residential hotel for people of low income, will move one step closer to reality on Monday as the City Council considers final approval for the project.

The council is expected to decide whether to present plans for the single-room occupancy hotel at 2450 Newport Blvd. at a public hearing, a step tantamount to winning city-sponsored funding and final approval.

Developer Butler-O’Bryon & Associates of Newport Beach have asked the city’s permission to build the 96-unit hotel at a former Travelodge site.

Butler-O’Bryon officials have also asked the city for help in funding a portion of the project through redevelopment funds and other money, including federal Community Development Block Grants.

Muriel Berman, redevelopment project manager, said the council will consider granting the company a $500,000 loan for the project. However, before any funding approvals are made, the project must be set for a public hearing, which the council is expected to do Monday.

Although the developer had hoped to open by this summer, “a myriad of reasons,” including strict regulations, have lead to the delay, said Merrill Butler of Butler-O’Bryon.

“What is happening is we have set a new date for consideration of the project in its final form,” Butler said.

Once completed, the former Travelodge will be converted to single-room apartments with rents in the range of $400 per month. The fully furnished rooms will include linens, color televisions and kitchenettes. To qualify, residents must show proof of employment and earnings.

The project will be considered at the 6:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.