State OKs Huntington Restaurant and Condo Projects

Plans for a downtown condominium project and beachfront restaurant both have won approval from the California Coastal Commission.

The commission, meeting in Carmel on Friday, gave the city approval to build a 31,000-square-foot restaurant with banquet facilities and a crow’s nest bar.

The restaurant, approved by the City Council in April, will be on the site of the former Maxwell’s by the Sea restaurant at the foot of the city pier.

Resident Debbie Cook had appealed the project, raising concerns about parking, building height and public views.

The commission approved the restaurant on condition that the upper level of the downtown parking structure be marked for valet parking to accommodate cars of restaurant patrons.

The Coastal Commission also approved an 80-unit condominium project with retail, restaurant and office space.

Resident Roy H. Richardson, a former planning commissioner, had appealed that development, arguing that condominiums and offices are not appropriate uses for the downtown area. He also said the project has a lack of commercial properties to serve visitors.

The project, proposed by Coultrup Cos., is proposed for portions of two blocks bordered by Main and 6th streets, Pacific Coast Highway and Walnut Avenue. It includes property owned by private parties as well as parcels owned by the city’s redevelopment agency.