In a 7-5 vote, Coastal Commission members denied approval today of the Aerie condominium project.
Commissioners expressed serious concerns about the integrity of the bluff due to the project’s excavation. The Aerie condominiums would replace a 15-unit apartment complex on Carnation Avenue at Ocean Boulevard.
The project would leave a section of coastal bluff on the facade, but it would excavate an interior section of the bluff to incorporate an underground garage and other features. Some commissioners said they worried that over time, that would erode and create problems.
“That’s what bluffs do, they erode, they slough off,” said Commissioner Sara Wan. “Then what do we do about it?”
Developer Richard Julian has spent eight years on the project, which was approved last summer by the Newport Beach City Council; read that story here.
The Coastal Commission staff had recommended the project be approved but recommended not approving a dock plan. Julian, however, had withdrawn the dock part of the application before the hearing.
Several residents were at the meeting in Ventura County to testify for and against the project.
Corona del Mar Today will update with more details from the hearing.
Comments
April 14th, 2010
On the 7-5 vote; which Commissioners voted in favor and against the project? Please clarify. Thanks!
April 15th, 2010
EDIT TO ADD: Here is how the commissioners voted: Steve Blank, YES Richard Bloom, YES William A. Burke, NO Dan Secord, YES Patrick Kruer, NO Sarah Glade Gurney, NO Esther Sanchez, NO Mark W. Stone, NO Sara Wan, NO Sharon Wright, YES Khatchik Achadjian, YES Mary K. Shallenberger, NO
