A hotel, condominium and retail development at the northwest corner of West Grand Avenue and Highway 1 at an entrance to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and Pismo State Beach has been given the go-ahead by Grover Beach City Council.

The project required five resolutions to move forward.

The council was split 3-2, with council members John Shoals and Karen Bright dissenting, on approving the tentative tract map, coastal development permit and site and architectural plans.

But it unanimously adopted the mitigated negative declaration and voted 4-1, with Shoals dissenting, to approve the specific development plan.

Following hours of discussion Monday over the project's design, the council approved what many hope will stand as a landmark feature for the city on a vacant lot that formerly housed a service station at 105 W. Grand Ave.

The 20-unit hotel/condomium development, with first-floor commercial space, now hinges on whether the California Coastal Commission will appeal the project.

The commission has expressed concerns over similar-type hotel/condominium developments, officials said.

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Calls to Coastal Commission analyst Jonathan Bishop and Senior Deputy Director Charles Lester were not returned by press time.

“We've worked with the Coastal Commission,” said developer Ron Perkins. “We were proactive from the beginning. Rather than just get our project approved, that design is really reflective of the Coastal Commission (preferences).”

Since its genesis more than two and a half years ago, it's seen several design changes, including the use of more stonework, a revised entry stairway and inclusion of a habitat restoration plan, among other things.

Councilmen Bill Nicolls and Chuck Ashton commended the design, while the remaining council members appeared somewhat uncertain about its adequacy as a landmark feature to the city's beach entrance.

“I think the design changes that have been made are outstanding,” Nicolls said.

Besides the condo/hotel and commercial component, the project is distinguished by a viewing tower open to the public, a controversial feature that received mixed reviews by both the Planning Commission and City Council.

Bright expressed concern over the tower feature.

“That tower to me looks like (an airport) control tower,” she said, adding, “To me, this (design) does not say ‘beach'; again, this is a personal opinion, but this is how I feel ... .”

Architect George Garcia countered by noting the intent of the tower - in part, to draw attention and provide pedestrian use - was met.

“I think the intent is met in terms of the design element of that,” Garcia said, adding, “I think it is a good idea to have an open dialogue about design.”

The project also includes a 37-space subterranean parking facility, a sidewalk, landscaping, frontage improvements and a total of five commercial spaces, including one specifically slated for a cafe.

Garcia noted the project would, in part, create landscaping that doesn't exist there today and provide affordable commercial space for small businesses, which coincides with the goals of the city.

The project will lie adjacent to a future Beachfront Lodge & Conference Center in the works in coordination with California Department of Parks and Recreation and the city.

“Finally, after over two years of working on this project, we can get it built and bring in some revenue to the city,” Perkins said. “I think it will help the Beachfront Lodge.”

Josh Petray can be reached at 489-4206, Ext. 5015, or jpetray@santamariatimes.com.

September 19, 2007