Fountain Valley council OKs hotel, homes

FOUNTAIN VALLEY A project near the Civic Center with a 127-room hotel, 27 single-family detached homes, 61 townhomes and 2,300 square feet of retail space has gotten its final approval from the City Council despite concerns from residents about increased traffic.

The City Council chamber was filled Tuesday night with residents and community members, with about 25 people standing outside. Nearly 20 residents spoke out against the project - on Brookhurst Street and Slater Avenue - by the Ayres Hotel and Olson Co.

Project rendering of the 127-room Ayres Hotel to be built if approved by the Fountain Valley City Council on March 6.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLSON CO.

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Most of the speakers cited concerns about increased traffic in an already congested intersection and others were concerned about potential construction issues.

The City Council approved the project 4-0, with Councilman Mark McCurdy, who lives within 500 feet of the project area, abstaining from the vote.

City officials say the hotel would bring in transient occupancy tax for the city and the townhomes would create housing for families and young people who can't afford single-family homes.

Construction for the Fountain Valley Civic Center Specific Plan Project is tentatively set for July 1, Planning and Building Director Andy Perea said after the meeting. The project includes demolition of a vacant SAFECO Insurance building, a building used by Coastline Community College and elimination of storage units used by the police department.

Construction of the hotel is expected to be completed within a year from when construction starts, said Don Ayres, hotel principal in an interview.

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Fountain Valley council OKs hotel, homes