COSTA MESA : Dentist, Landowner Clash Over Property

An oddly shaped wedge of land has become the subject of a hot dispute between a dentist and a neighboring landowner.

Brennan Cassidy, a dentist, wants to build an office at 121 E. 17th St., and got approval this week from the Planning Commission for his design.

His parking spaces will be built on a short street that was recently abandoned by the city. The street provides access to land owned by Eugene Scarcello, who claims the development will keep customers from driving up to a flower shop on his land.

“It’s obviously a very damaging impact to Mr. Scarcello’s lot,” lawyer Jeffrey Oderman, who represents Scarcello, told the commission.

“We’re asking that the property continue to be a street,” Oderman said.

Cassidy asked the commission to let him build his 3,000-square-foot building nearer to the street than code allows.

Oderman opposed the setback.

Commission Chairman Walter Davenport said no one would develop the 17,350-square-foot lot without the setback variances.

“I think this is a clear-cut situation that justifies a variance,” Davenport said after the unanimous approval.

Oderman may appeal the decision to the City Council.