San Clemente Council Approves Hotel Plan Ahead of 2028 Olympics

UPDATE: The San Clemente City Council has just approved a controversial plan for a four-story boutique hotel featuring a rooftop deck, aiming for completion before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision comes as tensions rise among local residents concerned about noise and light pollution from the proposed The Lodge at San Clemente, set to be built on a vacant 2-acre lot along Avenida Vista Hermosa.

The hotel, which initially received approval in 2004 as part of a coastal development project, is now set to soar from 45 feet to 62 feet to accommodate the rooftop deck and elevator towers. Though some council members expressed desire to expedite the project, local residents are not satisfied, claiming the council ignored the need for a new environmental impact report (EIR) to assess the heightened noise and light concerns.

Councilmember Mark Enmeier emphasized the need for speed, stating, “Design Review might make a recommendation we don’t want to do and delay it more.” Meanwhile, resident Beverly Wiesen, leading the charge against the hotel, has threatened legal action unless the city implements noise mitigation measures and construction guidelines. “We have big concerns that there are ordinances, guidelines, and restrictions in this town that are not enforced,” said Wiesen.

According to City Manager Andy Hall, there is hope for a compromise. He indicated discussions have focused on design adjustments that may help contain noise, such as enclosing parts of the rooftop deck. “If we can enclose three walls and have a disappearing wall, we can contain the sound, especially in the evening hours,” Hall remarked.

Architect Tim Fleming also plans to address light pollution and has discussed potential solutions with local residents. “We have discussed putting some of the bar inside, and enclosing a portion of the roof deck that would acoustically benefit the community,” he stated. Residents are set to meet again on November 3 to discuss these issues further.

The hotel is designed to feature 130 rooms, a ballroom, meeting space, and a rooftop bar and lounge. With the anticipated influx of visitors for the Olympics, the hotel aims to enhance tourism and generate significant tax revenue for San Clemente. Mayor Steve Knoblock believes the hotel could become a “Southern California icon” with its 360-degree ocean view.

The situation remains tense as local residents express their frustrations. Wiesen’s group has called for an independent noise study, insisting they want a quality hotel but are worried about its impact on their community. “They approved this without one noise condition,” Wiesen noted, highlighting the residents’ concerns about their quiet nights being disturbed.

With the council’s approval now granted, the focus shifts to whether the developer will meet community demands and how quickly the hotel can proceed. As the 2028 Olympics draw closer, all eyes will be on San Clemente and the ongoing discussions regarding this pivotal project.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.