Opponents of a home that will block some of the ocean views from Begonia Park were dealt another blow when the Coastal Commission denied an appeal to overturn the city’s approval of the project.
The Coastal Commission staff concluded that the Newport Beach City Council acted appropriately and consistently with commission requirements when it voted 5-2 in favor of allowing construction of a single family home on a now-vacant lot at 2333 Pacific Drive. The plans twice had passed through the Planning Commission, but public outcry continued because the home’s garage would partially block park views. (Read more here.)
A group called Friends of Begonia Park formed, gaining momentum as the City Council hearing date approached. The group gathered 1,200 signatures on a petition, placed dozens of signs in yards and turned out in force to testify before the City Council that by blocking ocean views from the park, the home was a violation of the city’s General Plan.
Kim and Carolyne Megonigal have owned the lot for a decade and have tried to get plans approved for three years.
Kim Megonigal said that even after getting Council approval in January, the couple continued to try to work with the Friends of Begonia Park to move the placement of the garage, next to the home rather than on top of it.
“Unfortunately, this solution would require steps that would involve the Coastal Commission and could take years to reach approval, which we do not have time,” Megonigal said in an email, adding that he, his wife and representatives “have decided that we have exhausted all possibilities and I must move on with the plans as approved.”
Friends of Begonia Park member Mark D. Simon said he knew of the Coastal Commission’s denial of one appeal, but he believed other challenges were being made by other concerned citizens.
“I can not comment as to the outcome of the remainder of the appeals,” he said in an email. “It is now likely that a court of law will be deciding whether the City Council’s decision that a 35% Public View loss from Begonia Park is not significant is arbitrary and capricious or not.”
