San Clemente Hotel Plan Approved Amid Community Concerns

UPDATE: The San Clemente City Council has just approved plans for a new four-story boutique hotel featuring a rooftop deck, aiming for completion ahead of the anticipated 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision comes despite rising concerns from local residents regarding noise and environmental impacts.

The project, known as The Lodge at San Clemente, will be built on a vacant 2-acre parcel along Avenida Vista Hermosa, strategically located near the Outlets at San Clemente and adjacent to senior housing. The council’s decision to permit the hotel involves increasing the building height from 45 feet to 62 feet to accommodate the rooftop deck and elevator towers.

Residents expressed dissatisfaction over the height increase, urging the council to reconsider its decision. However, a divided council voted to advance the project without further review from the Design Review Commission. Councilmember Mark Enmeier emphasized the need for expedience, stating, “Design Review might make a recommendation we don’t want to do and delay it more.”

The developer, Craig Realty Group, originally designed the hotel in 2016, featuring 130 rooms, a ballroom, and a restaurant. Following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the addition of a rooftop bar and lounge was proposed in 2019.

Local resident Beverly Wiesen, leading community opposition, raised alarms about the lack of a new environmental study given the height changes. She warned that ongoing issues with noise and light pollution could disrupt the tranquility of the neighborhood. “We could choose to litigate and force that EIR, and what we’re trying to do is avoid that,” Wiesen stated, advocating for an independent noise study.

City Manager Andy Hall expressed optimism about reaching a compromise, suggesting architectural modifications to mitigate sound issues. “If we can enclose three walls and have a disappearing wall, we can contain the sound, especially in the evening hours,” Hall told council members.

Architect Tim Fleming acknowledged the concerns, stating that adjustments to the rooftop design could acoustically benefit the community. “We are discussing putting some of the bar inside and enclosing a portion of the roof deck,” Fleming added.

The community is set to meet on November 3, 2023, to discuss the project further, hoping to establish a dialogue with the developer. Wiesen voiced the residents’ desire for the hotel to meet community standards while ensuring noise and light restrictions are enforced.

“The rooftop deck is a public space; if you live in San Clemente, you can come here,” Fleming noted, highlighting the potential for the hotel to become a local attraction with stunning ocean views.

Mayor Steve Knoblock expressed confidence in finding a mutually beneficial solution, pointing to the economic advantages for San Clemente. “It will have a 360-degree ocean view and the sales tax revenue will be a huge asset for San Clemente,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgent need to complete the hotel before the Olympics.

As tensions rise and discussions continue, the community watches closely to see how the council and developers will address their concerns. The pressure is on to ensure that the new hotel project does not compromise the quality of life for San Clemente residents.