Coastal Commission Rejects Mini-Mall Plan

The California Coastal Commission voted 6 to 5 to reject a mini-mall proposed for the Venice Boardwalk, saying its complicated legal problems with the city of Los Angeles should be resolved before the commission considers the 21,000-square-foot project.

Developer Stephen Blanchard has sought permission to build a three-story building that would contain, among other things, 12 fast-food restaurants--some of which would serve alcohol--at 601 Ocean Front Walk.

Neighbors have vehemently opposed the mini-mall, saying it would overwhelm the area with noise, congestion and other problems. Controversy was heightened last year when Blanchard invoked a little-used state law requiring cities to act on development proposals in a timely manner. As a result, the project received city approval without having obtained environmental clearance first. If he can come to terms with Los Angeles, Blanchard may reapply for Coastal Commission approval.