HUNTINGTON BEACH The city has hired a consultant to do an environmental study of a proposal to develop the Magnolia Tank Farm, a former fuel tank storage facility.
The study, to be conducted by engineering consulting firm Psomas, will examine the possible adverse environmental effects of developing the 29-acre site on Magnolia Avenue. The City Council approved the study on Monday, June 19.
Two options are being considered for the site. One would include a 175-room hotel, 250 homes and 19,000 square feet of retail space. The second option would include 250 units of housing only.
Shopoff Realty Investments, which bought the property in August 2016 for $26.5 million, will reimburse the city for the $500,000 cost of the study.
The projects require a series of added steps to move forward, including changes to zoning and the general plan. The projects would also require approval from the City Council and the California Coastal Commission.
Nine residents opposed the proposals for the property and conducting the study.
“We’re aghast at even the suggestion of a hotel,” said resident Cari Swan. “They still want to pack as much density as they can get away with.”
“They’re trying to put downtown down here and it’s not right,” said resident Dominic Menaldi.
Several residents supported the idea, saying they hoped to learn from experts about the possible effects and mitigation proposals.
“I don’t think anyone knows what the impacts are until we do an EIR,” said Daryl Robinson about an environmental study. “So let’s do an EIR.”
City officials discuss regulations on sales, cultivation of marijuana
During a study session, City Attorney Michael Gates and Police Chief Robert Handy talked about city regulations on sales and cultivation of marijuana and gave an update on the status of Proposition 64, which decriminalized the use of marijuana.
Huntington Beach currently prohibits sales of medical marijuana, and Gates recommended the ordinance be updated to specifically include a prohibition of the sale of recreational marijuana and regulation of indoor cultivation.
City lists repairs needed for downtown, pier and pavilion areas
In May, the council asked city staff to make a list of needed repairs in an area of downtown as well as the pier and pavilion.
A spreadsheet was created that lists needed improvements, broken down to responsible parties: City; Business Improvement District, Southern California Edison, the Department of Transportation, Surfrider Foundation; business and property owners.
Immediate fixes include skate stops, sticker and graffiti removal, weed removal and washing poles.
Music director receives commendation
In advance of the opening for the Huntington Beach Concert Band series of free Sunday concerts, the city presented music director Tom Ridley with a commendation as he celebrates the start of his 41st year at the helm. Last month, the City Council voted to name the bandstand behind the Central Library in his honor.
Councilman asks to amend zoning for lot
Councilman Erik Peterson asked the city to amend zoning for an unused and undevelopable lot on Gothard Street and Garfield Avenue so the land owner can apply to have it used for interim vehicle and recreational vehicle storage.
“This is spot zoning at its worst,” said Planning Commissioner Connie Mandic during public comments.
She added the move merely allows the council to circumvent the public without any safeguards.
“We’re not changing the zoning,” Peterson said, “we’re just adding a possible use for the property.”
He also noted that any grading and other work on the property will have to be approved by the city and return to council.
Before the property can be used for storage, it will need to go through a public review process in which residents can voice their opinions.
Councilwoman Jill Hardy said she did not know if she would continue to support the use after hearing from residents. She said she was willing to let the process play out.
She also asked the term interim be defined, and the council settled on five years.
“If they don’t want houses on the property, they’re not going to want houses there, but I think we should hear from the neighbors,” she said.
