ELLIS CONDOS project proposed at Ellis Avenue and Beach Boulevard and rejected by the city council 7-0 on Monday night (City of Huntington Beach image).

A controversial mixed-use development proposed at Beach Boulevard and Ellis Avenue in Huntington Beach was voted down unanimously by the city council Tuesday night.

The council voted 7-0 to uphold the planning commission’s earlier denial of a conditional use permit and tentative tract map that would have allowed the construction of a 48-unit complex at 8041 Ellis Ave. Commercial units were planned for ground level use.

Three levels of subterranean parking are called for in the plan.

Traffic issues and other concerns were cited by council members in turning down the appeal.

“The project couldn’t be at a worse location,” said Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize. “It’s already impacted now.”

Ironically, it was Delgleize’s absence from the Aug. 19 meeting that caused the matter to be rescheduled to this week’s session of the council.

Mayor Erik Peterson expressed concerns about traffic flow in case of a fire, as the project would have one exit and one entrance. “If you have a large structure fire, you’re trying to evacuate multiple families,” he said.

Councilman Patrick Brenden concurred, saying “I am concerned about [traffic] circulation and fire [department] access.”

The planning commission on May 28 turned thumbs down on the project, and on June 11 approved a finding that “approval of the project would result in a site that is not physically suitable” because of density and suitability to the surrounding area.

The proposed developer is Tahir Salim of THDT Investment, Inc. of Corona.