Newport / Costa Mesa / Irvine : NEWPORT BEACH : Council OKs Plan for Taco Bell on Mariner’s Mile

Mariner’s Mile will be the site of a Taco Bell restaurant in Newport Beach, despite the protests of a handful of residents who live on the bluff above the Pacific Coast Highway commercial zone.

An anonymous flyer distributed in the neighborhood failed to inspire more than a few residents to go to Monday’s City Council meeting to voice an opinion.

“If you value your personal safety, the security of your family and your property, you must act now! Before Taco Bell becomes your neighbor and the future of Mariner’s Mile becomes Fast Food Restaurant Row,” the flyer warned. It exhorted readers to call council members and go to the meeting to protest.

In at least one case, it backfired. Fullerton Avenue resident Jackie Ellis told the council: “Frankly, when I find flyers like this on the doorstep, I say, ‘There goes my neighborhood.’ It was left there by someone who didn’t have the courage to put his name on it.”

Kurt Yeager, whose home is directly above the restaurant site, said a fast-food stand would be a “black mark” on Mariner’s Mile and lead to “permanent lesser uses.” He criticized a carwash and lube shop as well.

Bill Dunlap, executive director of the Cliff Haven Homeowners Assn., said the restaurant would invite noise and conflict, especially at night.

Bluff resident Chuck Daniels said he had persuaded the seller of his new home to put $15,000 of the selling price into escrow to construct a sound barrier if the restaurant created the need.

Taco Bell officials have contended they do not anticipate any problems at the restaurant but that, if any arise, they will work with neighbors to resolve them. They have met with residents over the past several months to attempt to ease concerns.

Planning Director James Hewicker said such problems had not surfaced in the 22 years since McDonald’s put up its golden arches a half-mile up the highway.

The council voted 4 to 1 to approve the plan of Taco Bell to raze the vacant Malee’s restaurant at 1400 W. Coast Highway, across from the Balboa Bay Club. Councilwoman Jean H. Watt was opposed.

Councilwoman Norma Glover, who chaired the Planning Commission when the restaurant was initially approved, abstained from both discussions after a campaign opponent accused her of a conflict of interest. She denied having a conflict but said she would abstain because, “I do not want this council saddled with that perception.”

Councilman Dennis D. O’Neil also abstained because one of his law partners had addressed the council on behalf of restaurant opponents, primarily residents of Kings Road.