Buses’ beach parking becoming problematic

When it comes to paying $50 to $100 to park a bus at the Corona del Mar State Beach parking lot, some drivers are opting to leave their vehicles on the bluff overlooking the beach, sometimes in no parking zones, or in the Corona del Mar business district.

Resident Dan Purcell complained about bus parking during Thursday’s Corona del Mar Residents Assn. meeting, telling board members that bus drivers who don’t want to pay city fees for the beach lot are blocking views and taking parking spots away from customers at local businesses.

Mayor Nancy Gardner said she has asked staff to research whether buses taking visitors from nonprofits to Big Corona could have cheaper options. Currently, buses carrying up to 24 passengers must pay $50, and with more passengers, the parking fee jumps to $100.

Gardner said staff might “come up with something more reasonable so it’s cheaper to park there.”

Reduced parking fees would apply on weekdays only, she said.

amy@coronadelmartoday.com

Twitter: @coronadelmartdy