City Moves Forward on North Beach Parking Design

San Clemente officials are moving forward will plans to build a new parking lot along North El Camino Real, although funding for the project is threatened by a lawsuit.

The city-owned lot between Ichibiri Japanese restaurant and Kalani Coffee is now vacant, but officials are considering two parking plans: The first would feature 29 spaces, a street-facing plaza and a bus turnout. Plan B calls for a 33-space lot with a landscaping island and low wall facing traffic.

The 33-space lot is preferred by city staff. In addition to having a few extra spaces, it would be better for farmers' markets or other events.

The idea for the street-facing plaza came from the Architectural Guild of South Orange County. The benefits include an attractive view from the street, seating and an optional bus turnout.

City staffers contend the plaza wouldn't be very useful because people tend to shy away from pedestrian spaces near busy roads.

The lot will cost $37,000 to $41,000 per space to build.

This proposals come as the city prepares to fight a lawsuit by residents demanding the return of $9.7 million in fees they paid to build beach parking as part of a development agreement.

Brad Malamud, who filed the suit on behalf of about 5,200 property owners east of the 5 Freeway, said each owner should get back $1,500, fees that have sat unused for 15 years.

San Clemente City Attorney Jeff Goldfarb said Friday the parties would meet with a judge near the end of May to set a trial date.

City Council members decided to move forward with the design of the parking lot despite the lawsuit. They said it was a project the city would want to complete regardless of where the money comes from.