Here are some items the Planning Commission...

Here are some items the Planning Commission will consider tonight.

HYLAND AVENUE

HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER

Laguna Niguel-based Birtcher Development is asking for rezoning to

build the highly anticipated South Coast Home Furnishings Center, a

312,540-square-foot complex anchored by major furniture

manufacturers’ showrooms and filled out by home decor vendors,

take-out restaurants, office-supply stores and other retail uses.

The existing building on the site, on Hyland Avenue between South

Coast Drive and Sunflower Avenue, formerly housed State Farm

Insurance offices, but the company left the facility in 2004. That

building would be demolished to build the new center.

The 21-acre property must first be rezoned from industrial park to

planned industrial development.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Staff members recommend the planning commission approve the

project because the new development would complement surrounding

industrial facilities and other nearby home stores such as Wickes

Furniture and IKEA.

BERNARD STREET CONDOMINIUMS

A 12-unit apartment complex on Bernard Street could become

condominiums, if the commission approved the owner’s application to

convert the development. The owner plans to expand parking, add some

private yard areas for tenants and make other upgrades to the

property.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The conversion will create more opportunities for housing

ownership, which is a city goal, so staff members recommend approval

of the request.

-- Alicia Robinson