COSTA MESA : Factory Denied More Time to Build Wall

The Planning Commission last week refused to give a vitamin manufacturer more time to build a 22-foot-high wall to keep factory noise from disturbing neighbors.

Albert Ng, facility manager of the Viva America Westar plant at 1239 Victoria St., asked the commission last week to give him another year to begin construction of the wall and a roof.

Neighbors have complained about noise from generators, trucks and outdoor speakers.

According to a study done by Westar, the factory produces more noise than the city’s maximum standard of 55 decibels.

The commission approved a plan for the wall almost a year ago, but Ng said the company has discovered a need for design changes and is unprepared to pull building permits to begin the construction.

Planning Commissioner Libby Cowan said she thought a year was too long for such an extension.

Resident Jane Henry, who lives near the factory, asked the commission not to grant a one-year extension.

“The noise is unbearable,” she said. “We are suffering, and have been for two years.”

In other action, the commission rejected an application by Rhonda Donahue to conduct massage therapy and nutritional counseling at 3001 Red Hill Ave.

Donahue said she would also like to sell nutritional products to people after counseling them.

Planning Commissioner Mark Korando said the business should be in a commercial zone of the city, not the industrial site where it is proposed.

Donahue said she will consult with an attorney to decide whether to appeal the decision to the City Council.