Dana Point Gets Time to Study Carwash Plan

Saying they aren’t sure how carwashes fit with the city’s vision of a thriving Town Center, the City Council has voted to enact a temporary moratorium on allowing more carwashes to be developed in that area.

The action came last week after the council rejected a plan to build a hand carwash in Town Center at the old “Hobie” building on Pacific Coast Highway.

Residents had opposed the plan, saying they feared the project would bring increased noise, traffic and car exhaust to the area. It is the third time in the past two years that the council rejected a carwash project, city officials said.

“The problem is the city has a goal for Town Center,” Councilman William L. Ossenmacher said. “We’re not just becoming another Beach Boulevard or Garden Grove Boulevard.”

The moratorium will be in effect for 45 days, after which the city will conduct a public hearing to consider whether to extend it for one year. It would give the city time to develop a specific plan for Town Center, including whether to allow businesses like carwashes to operate in the area, said Ed Knight, director of community development.