BUSINESS WATCH:Newport keeps charm while progressing

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa mayors have cited mixed-use zoning as playing a major role in the future of their cities, but at a recent Urban Land Institute forum, Newport Beach Mayor Steve Rosansky told a group of public figures and developers that mixed-use zoning has the potential to cause problems if it’s not planned properly.

A mixed-use development includes both homes and businesses. These types of developments make it easier for residents to live in the same city where they work and also gives them easier access to local shops and other businesses. In the past, city planners used to carve out separate zones for businesses and homes, but the mixed-use development is a growing trend.

At the Urban Land Institute Orange County’s second annual Public Police Forum April 19, Rosansky joined Dana Point Mayor Diane Harkey and Fullerton Mayor Shawn Nelson in talking about the development issues that most affect their cities.

Although mixed-use development has been lauded by its promoters, including leaders in Newport and Costa Mesa, those same boosters realize there are potential pitfalls when, for example, a loud tavern is built next to homes. Both cities are working to create areas of mixed-use while limiting possible problems, including some that Newport Beach is seeing on the peninsula.

“As we mix uses, we have to try to keep uses separate…. We have to be careful of that when looking at the mixed use projects — compatibility is first and foremost,” Rosansky said after the forum.

At the forum Rosansky referred to a recent spate of complaints from neighbors about noise pollution and other issues related to the Newport Beach Brewing Co. The City Council voted to change the restaurant and pub’s use permit, limiting the sale of hard alcohol after 11 p.m., but the vote was rescinded after council members determined they did not give ample notice of their vote. A vote is scheduled for next month.

Costa Mesa Councilman Eric Bever and Mayor Allan Mansoor, who were not at the forum, said their council will look closely at proposed projects to make sure businesses that might make too much noise or otherwise possibly offend residential neighbors aren’t approved. Mansoor and Rosansky suggested developers meet with council members and the planning departments early and often during planning to make sure they’re in step with what the cities want.

Costa Mesa officials will apparently be especially receptive to mixed-use projects that incorporate green design and planning in its two overlay zones in Westside and one in the Sobeca district, Mansoor said.

Another major issue for both cities, as well as Dana Point and Fullerton, was the idea of “workforce housing.” As more jobs are added in Orange County, affordable housing has become a hotly debated issue.

“The problem for us is attracting city employees and things because they want to live near where they work and someone on a city wage can’t afford to live in the city of Newport Beach — and it’s not just city employees…. We are interested in looking at workforce housing, if not in Newport Beach, then close to Newport Beach,” Rosansky said.

Mansoor hopes to provide affordable housing by softening regulations for developers.

“I think the best way to make homes affordable is to reduce regulation and to increase supply…. There’s always going to be a high demand in Orange County, it’s just the fact of where we live,” Mansoor said. “It’s a very desirable place to live. The Westside is so close to the ocean, it’s prime real estate and I believe that’s part of the draw that will help make [the overlay] successful.”