PLANNING COMMISSION PREVIEW

The Great Wall proposal

Homeowner Peter D. Brandow wants to build a 15-foot rear yard wall with a

3-foot guardrail on top. Brandow hopes the wall will reclaim part of his

eroded yard and stabilize an unsafe slope.

What to expect: The problem is that the wall would exceed the city’s

6-foot height limit. As a result, the Planning Commission must rule on a

proposal that is more than double the height limit.

Expanding the Balboa Inn

Balboa Inn owner Michel Pourmussa wants to expand the business. Pourmussa

has proposed adding a two-story building that would include 11 new guest

suites, a pool, retail shops and 22 parking stalls.

What to expect: To go forward with the project, an existing single-story

retail building and pool area would have to be demolished.

Sifting through the Dunes

The $100-million Newport Dunes Hotel proposal is back before the Planning

Commission. At the last meeting, project managers were told to explore

moving the resort to the other side of the lagoon, lowering the hotel’s

height and redesigning the entrance to Back Bay Drive. The proposed

project includes a full-service hotel with 400 rooms and 100 time-share

units along with 55,000 square feet of conference space, swimming pools,

a health spa and restaurants.

Estimates say the hotel would bring in $1.3 million in annual city

revenue. If approved, the resort is scheduled to open within the next

five years.

What to expect: The commission will consider any suggestions Dunes’

project managers will bring to the meeting. Commissioners will also

continue the long process of combing through the environmental report. It

will take several meetings before they come to a final decision.

FYI

* WHAT: Planning Commission

* WHEN: 7 p.m. tonight

* WHERE: Council chambers of Newport Beach City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.