Council rejects RV lot project

The proposed Huntington Beach Community Garden is a 2.5-acre site on Atlanta Avenue at the Santa Ana River. The garden will be divided into 84 15-by-20-foot leasable plots for $100 a year. The council approved the project in December.

"We just need to get this thing passed, going and make it a reality," said Councilman Joe Carchio.

Director of Community Services Jim Engle said the project still has to gain final approval from Edison and the licensing agreement has to be completed, but everything should be wrapped up in about 30 days.

Huntington Beach Community Garden President David Baronfeld spoke during public comment to urge the council to approve the memorandum. Baronfeld said 50 residents have already paid membership dues in the hopes that it will come to life.

The garden will provide the community with educational opportunities as well as a chance for those who can't afford fresh fruit and vegetables to grow their own, Baronfeld said.

The council also approved an exclusive negotiation agreement with Ayres to build a four-story hotel at Edinger Avenue and Parkside Lane.

Ayres Holdings LLP was selected to build a 79,000-square-foot, select-service hotel on an almost 2-acre lot at 7872 Edinger Ave. The hotel would have 120 rooms, dining and bar facilities, gift shop, fitness center and meeting space, along with a pool and spa.

The council agreed to wait 90 days to market the project to other developers while the fair market value of the project is determined. Ayres will submit a project description, sit plan, proposed construction schedule and economic analysis within 60 days.

The need for an additional hotel was identified in the Beach and Edinger Corridor Specific Plan.