IRVINE : Amusement Park Plans to Be Discussed

The controversial development of an amusement park off Harvard Avenue will be discussed tonight at a Planning Commission meeting.

The discussion will not directly affect plans to build the park, but it will give commissioners and the public a chance to express their opinions about the project.

Because the park site is zoned for an entertainment complex, the project is considered a “permitted use” that can be built without commission or City Council approval as long as it meets general city guidelines.

Park opponents who live near the proposed location have demanded that the city fully review the project anyway. The residents fear the amusement park will attract gangs and crime as well as increase traffic and noise in the area between the Westpark and University Park villages.

A San Francisco-based developer hopes to open the complex of miniature golf courses, batting cages, bumper boat rides and an arcade later this year.

Opposition to the park has mounted ever since the project was announced late last year. More than 150 foes jammed a council meeting last month to complain about the park. At the meeting, both the developer and Irvine police officials said the facility would have strict security policies.