Church Variances OKd in Santa Ana

SANTA ANA — The City Council has approved variances allowing construction of a church on Pomona Street but has warned its owners that the church will be closed if parking in the immediate area became a problem.

The council voted 6 to 1 this week to approve several variances required for the project at 112 E. Pomona St. Councilwoman Patricia McGuigan opposed the motion, saying that when the council previously approved similar plans for a church, the building led to parking and traffic problems.

The variances were required in part because the site has several dozen fewer parking spaces than city regulations require. Although the council approved the plan, members emphasized that church officials must ensure that nearby residents do not suffer a parking crunch because of it.

Councilman Robert L. Richardson told church supporters “to recognize that we’re trying to fit more on the site than should legally be allowed. I hope you will take to heart very seriously the (council’s concerns) . . . and follow through on your part of the bargain.”