IRVINE : Residents to Outline Opposition to Park

Residents seeking to block the development of the Palace Park amusement complex on Harvard Avenue on Tuesday will again take their case to the City Council.

The move comes as opponents continue to raise money and seek community support for their fight against the project.

Councilwoman Christina L. Shea said she placed the item on Tuesday’s agenda “to help create a forum for constructive discussions between the residents” and the San Francisco-based developer.

Because the proposed Palace Park site is zoned for entertainment, the project does not require approval from the Planning Commission or City Council as long as it meets general city guidelines.

Some residents are demanding that the city conduct a full review of the project anyway.

They fear the park will attract troublesome youths to the area and increase crime, traffic and noise.

The developer insists that the plan, which calls for miniature golf courses, bumper boat rides and an arcade on vacant land just west of the San Diego Freeway, will not seriously affect the surrounding community.

Police officials who visited other Palace Park facilities say they are run with security in mind. The Police Department is also working with park operators to develop a security plan for the Irvine site.

But concerns about Palace Park persist. Opponents, most of whom live in the University Park and Westpark villages, have raised more than $1,000 so far and have hired an attorney to help them fight the proposal.

“I want to look at some of the negative impacts that the residents are concerned with,” Shea said. “We have to give due process to the residents.”

After discussing the issue last week, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution calling for changes in the zoning laws that would force future amusement park developments to get commission and City Council approval.