Opposed Carwash Gets Laguna Approval
The Laguna Beach City Council approved a controversial carwash for north Laguna Beach on Wednesday in an issue that pitted a small-business owner against residents who wanted to preserve the city’s village character.
The 3-2 vote, with council members Paul Freeman and Toni Iseman dissenting, took place after more than 25 residents spoke out in opposition to the project.
Residents cited noise, traffic and safety concerns.
Diane Finkbeiner, who lives above the 18,000-square-foot lot at 1369 N. Coast Highway, said the mechanized carwash will generate too many cars in a neighborhood where many children live.
“It’s going to be a nightmare for us,” Finkbeiner said. “The good of one does not outweigh the good of many.”
But council members approved the project, saying the city needs more businesses that cater to residents.
“We have more vacant lots today than we did 20 years ago,” Councilman Wayne L. Peterson said. “As property values skyrocket, it becomes nearly impossible to develop these lots commercially.”
The carwash operator, Scott Thompson, who also owns Sweetwater Car Wash in south Laguna Beach, said construction could start within four months.
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