BUSINESS WATCH:Newport keeps charm while progressing

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa mayors have cited mixed-use zoning as playing a major role in the future of their cities, but at a recent Urban Land Institute forum, Newport Beach Mayor Steve Rosansky told a group of public figures and developers that mixed-use zoning has the potential to cause problems if it's not planned properly.

A mixed-use development includes both homes and businesses. These types of developments make it easier for residents to live in the same city where they work and also gives them easier access to local shops and other businesses. In the past, city planners used to carve out separate zones for businesses and homes, but the mixed-use development is a growing trend.

At the Urban Land Institute Orange County's second annual Public Police Forum April 19, Rosansky joined Dana Point Mayor Diane Harkey and Fullerton Mayor Shawn Nelson in talking about the development issues that most affect their cities.

Although mixed-use development has been lauded by its promoters, including leaders in Newport and Costa Mesa, those same boosters realize there are potential pitfalls when, for example, a loud tavern is built next to homes. Both cities are working to create areas of mixed-use while limiting possible problems, including some that Newport Beach is seeing on the peninsula.

"As we mix uses, we have to try to keep uses separate…. We have to be careful of that when looking at the mixed use projects — compatibility is first and foremost," Rosansky said after the forum.

At the forum Rosansky referred to a recent spate of complaints from neighbors about noise pollution and other issues related to the Newport Beach Brewing Co. The City Council voted to change the restaurant and pub's use permit, limiting the sale of hard alcohol after 11 p.m., but the vote was rescinded after council members determined they did not give ample notice of their vote. A vote is scheduled for next month.

Costa Mesa Councilman Eric Bever and Mayor Allan Mansoor, who were not at the forum, said their council will look closely at proposed projects to make sure businesses that might make too much noise or otherwise possibly offend residential neighbors aren't approved. Mansoor and Rosansky suggested developers meet with council members and the planning departments early and often during planning to make sure they're in step with what the cities want.