COSTA MESA : City Moves to Keep Auto Club in Town

Trying to keep the Automobile Club of Southern California in Costa Mesa, the City Council has taken the first step toward permitting the club to expand its Fairview Road offices.

In a highly unusual move, the council initiated a General Plan amendment on behalf of the club, which just last year was turned down when it sought to add 500,000 square feet to its facility.

Monday night’s action assured club officials that if they resubmitted their plans, they wouldn’t be turned away. Although the council opened the door Monday, club officials Tuesday said they have not decided whether to take the city up on its offer.

“At this time, we haven’t made a decision yet on how we might or if we might move forward,” said Layna Browdy, corporate communications manager.

And, even if the club decides to go ahead with an expansion plan, the project would still be subject to the regular environmental review process and require further council approval before construction could begin. In addition, some residents have voiced opposition to the project.

Last year, the council turned down a request by the organization to expand the offices and add about 1,000 jobs, doubling the current work force. That proposal would have required an amendment to the General Plan--the blueprint for development in the city--because it was larger than the plan allowed.

At the time, the council was in the process of overhauling the General Plan and rejected the club’s request for an exemption.

In the interim, the Automobile Club has explored many options, which include moving out of Costa Mesa, city officials said. Automobile Club officials would not discuss their plans.

“We are well aware that they have been looking at alternative locations if they were not able to expand in Costa Mesa,” City Manager Allan L. Roeder said.

For several months, city officials have been discussing alternatives with the Auto Club.

Under one option being considered, the club would buy eight acres next to its present site, city officials said.

Even if the club decides to go ahead with the expansion, it would immediately face roadblocks.

According to a traffic study financed by the club, the expansion would generate twice the traffic allowed under the General Plan. And residents, who are just getting word of the project, have started to protest.

At the meeting this week, Gilbert Collins, representing the North Costa Mesa Homeowners Assn., submitted a letter objecting to the plan, citing a variety of problems, including concerns about traffic.