FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Business owners at the Brookhurst Plaza strip mall are concerned the complex’s next big-ticket tenant, a new Carl’s Jr., might pull out because of the city’s decision to deny the restaurant’s application for a children’s play area.

The city Planning Commission unanimously approved the restaurant and drive-thru at the July 28 meeting but voted 4 to 1 to deny the 18-foot-high play area. The decision was appealed.

“If they don’t bring in Carl’s Jr., they’ll get a look they really don’t want: a boarded-up, vacant plaza,” said State Farm agent Frank Ishida, one of 16 business owners who spoke at the meeting.

Lorenzo Reyes, a real estate agent for the fast-food chain, said he was told that Carl’s Jr. will not build the restaurant without the play area.