HUNTINGTON BEACH CIVIC CENTER (Orange County Tribune photo).

With an amendment and two added conditions, the Huntington Beach City Council  approved the Bolsa Chica Senior Care Community project late Tuesday night on a 4-3 vote.

In favor of the project – with the changes added – were Councilmembers Tony Strickland, Dan Kalmick, Rhonda Bolton and Natalie Moser and opposed were Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark, Vice Mayor Pat Burns and Councilmember Casey McKeon.

Proposed is a the construction of a four-story, 159-unit convalescent facility and demolition of an existing commercial building.

Located on a 3.10-acre site at 4952 and 4972 Warner Ave. (near Bolsa Chica Street), the project would include 25 memory care units, 134 assisted living units and a subterranean parking garage. There would be on-site indoor and outdoor amenities and dining facilities with alcohol service.

Members of the public expressing opposition to the development cited issues of incompatibility with the nearing single-family homes and concerns about traffic and parking.

Supporters said the project would supply “much-needed” housing for senior citizens in an aging community.

The amendments and covenant included agreement to only operate the facility as a residential care facility for the aged and restricted to assisted living and memory care only. 

The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 a.m. Wednesday.