By Norb Garrett
The city has received a revised design plan from LAB Holding, LLC, for the North Beach project known as Playa Del Norte. The new plans include the elimination of a planned parking/retail structure on the Marblehead side of El Camino Real. Instead, LAB is proposing a ground level parking lot which would preserve the view corridor of the ocean for those driving on Avenida Pico towards North Beach.
“Instead of a two level parking structure with 93 spaces and 14,000 square feet of retail/offices on the roof, we are proposing a ground level parking lot with 93 spaces and removing the minimal retail/office space on this site,” said LAB’s Chris Bennett. “A surface lot would be more comfortable experience for people parking there and we also remove any possibility of blocking views coming down Pico.”
Otherwise, the project remains as originally proposed on the Triangle and El Camino Real. Bennett noted that there have been “lots other than minor improvements and efficiencies that have been made during the design refinement process.”
The city’s planning staff has received the new plans but has not had an opportunity to review all of the details yet as they relate to the North Beach master parking or circulation plans. The project currently is undergoing its Environmental Impact Report, which could take up to seven months to complete.
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