Seal Beach : Opposition Expected at Meeting on Shop

A loud and boisterous meeting is expected at the Seal Beach Planning Commission later this month when the public gets its first chance to comment on a proposal to build an oil-change shop and carwash next to the historic redwood water-tower house.

The plan by Santa Barbara developer Jeff Overeem is opposed by some residents who believe the oil-change shop isn’t a suitable neighbor for one of the area’s most beloved and bold landmarks.

The debate over what to do with the vacant lot next to the 52-year-old structure has been going on since the summer, when Overeem proposed building two three-story condominiums there.

Residents spoke out against that proposal when it came before the Planning Commission in August, saying the condos’ height would partially block and distort the view of the 87-foot-high tower, which consists of a luxury home perched on top of a wood superstructure.

The oil-change shop--proposed after the public’s cold reception to the condo plan--might ease some residents’ concerns because it is 19 feet shorter than the proposed condos.

Still, other residents expressed concern about the new proposal, fearing it will bring more traffic to the already congested area.

Though the land is zoned for commercial use, city officials would prefer residential development on the space, Seal Beach planning staffer Barry Curtis said.

At the Nov. 18 Planning Commission meeting, members will receive general information about the project. A final vote on the proposal won’t occur until December.