San Clemente voters today are taking up a controversial plan to redevelop part of the city’s North Beach area into shops, restaurants and office space.
Playa del Norte, the proposed development, calls for about 49,000 square feet of oceanfront commercial space near the northern edge of the city, along El Camino Real.
The project would be built by Costa Mesa’s Lab Holding LLC, the developer behind The Lab and The Camp shopping centers in Costa Mesa.
Opponents of the project see the project as a land-grab of city-owned oceanfront property that will block views, and worsen traffic and parking issues in the area.
The developer and its backers see the project as a way to revitalize an underused and dilapidated gateway to San Clemente that reflects poorly on the city.
Opponents of the project pushed for a referendum on the project that’s being voted on today. A “yes” vote on Measure A backs the project, while a “no” vote rejects it.
If the measure passes, the developer and the city still need to finalize plans for the project, and get Coastal Commission approval.
