The sanctuary committee met with the architect, domusstudio, on November 10 on Zoom to discuss project status and information requested by the City of Costa Mesa for approval of the Development Review Plan. Committee members who worked on the original new sanctuary plan back in 2013 were able to access important documents from that project including the shared parking agreement with Piecemakers and Torelli Real Estate. Additionally we contacted Dig Alert to verify that the location of the existing underground utilities would not affect construction of the new building. Verification was received that there were no issues with the utilities.
Another important step in the project took place on November 19 when project lead architect David Keitel and I met at Costa Mesa City Hall with Associate Planner Katelyn Walsh and Assistant Planner Jarrod Coleman. Due to COVID restrictions, this was the first in person meeting held with the planners. All prior communications between our architects and the City planners have taken place via e-mail, phone and Zoom. During this important meeting we provided feedback in writing and verbally to address any outstanding issues on the Development Review Plan.
David requested that building plans be allowed to be submitted concurrently as the planning requirements go forward for review, which is dependent on the parking analysis element of the project. Katelyn indicated she hoped to follow through on the parking analysis and other items before she turned over the project lead to Jarrod, who will be replacing her on City staff as she heads to other employment. She also indicated they hoped to make a site visit before her departure.
The next Zoom meeting of the entire committee and architectural team will be held on December 1. Work will continue on tying down all the details for approval so that the building permit can be obtained and the project can move forward according to schedule with demolition and groundbreaking in February.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the project, please contact me at craigspery@aol.com.
Craig Spery is the chair of the sanctuary planning and construction committee