As most of Clairemont knows, Balboa Mesa is undergoing a much-needed and long-delayed renovation. The construction that has been taking place so far is in accordance with a permit issued 5 years ago, in 2007. Regency Centers, the property's owners, are also pursuing a variance to allow an In-N-Out drive through restaurant on the Genesee Avenue side of the center. That process has moved from approval by the Clairemont Mesa Planning Group to review by the Planning Commission, with the final decision to be issued by City Council.
In the meantime, Baskin Robbins owner Sharan Kooner has signed a lease for space in one of the new buildings adjacent to the spot her store stood for the 16 years she has owned it. She expects to be reopening in the new location in 6 months or so. When asked if she will watch the demolition of the old place, Sharan was undecided. "It's been a long time, and so many of the people I employed as teens still come in, only with their kids now," she said, "so I have an emotional attachment to the place." Still, she's looking forward to the new space, and expects to be busy working plans for it over the next few months.
We were just in the old neighborhood last weekend and sorry to see that Einsteins and Voltero's were gone (we learned Voltero's relocated, so that is good!), and now Baskin Robins?? Seriously?It's fine to bring in new businesses and ugrade, but let's not chase out the established businesses in the process...
ReplyDeleteSounds as though it is relocating to another location in the center, not closing correct?
DeleteI saw that a new local bakery and ice cream shop just opened up on Clairemont Mesa Blvd in the Madison Square Shopping Center. Support a family-owned business in the meantime as the BR franchise moves?
ReplyDeleteWe visited the Ice-cream & Bakery shop the day it opened but only by chance! They need to do more local advertising, I would hate to see them go away after months of trying to get that place open! With the schools near by and all the families in the area they need to do some grass roots advertising and either walk door to door with flyers or start passing out flyers to all the high school students or something!!! We don't want them to leave. CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL!
DeleteHell, that store has stood there since at least 1968, her 16 years, nothing. I recall buying cones & exotic punch in the summer of 1971 with the Doors churning out Riders of the Storm on the radio. Also, what's with all the burger places? No first-class restaurants in the whole East Clairemont area.
ReplyDeleteI used to work there when I was 16 (I'm now 36). Makes me sad that everything gets torn down. It's small, why not leave it there and just remodel it? There's enough burger places...sheesh.
ReplyDeleteWinchel's Donuts gone and now Baskin Robbins? Of course I remember when that area was just tumbleweeds. Look at it now:-) Change is always good they say. We look forward to supporting the new businesses.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard about the variance request I wondered why they didn't just move the In and Out to the Baskin Robbins location. With the demolition of the old store, maybe it will finally occur to someone.
ReplyDeleteNana, the suggestion to place a drive-thru in the area of the shopping center that is properly zoned for them has been suggested to the developers multiple times. It is not an issue of what fits the current zoning laws, what would be most considerate of nearby neighbors....or even what Clairemont's Community Plan recommends. The bottom line is maximizing profit by rezoning the center. The sad part is that the redevelopment is already approved and a rezoning isn't needed for any of the improvements. I am hopeful city leaders will understand this issue better and vote against rezoning the center. It won't serve the community best in the long run and isn't even needed for current improvements going on right now. More info at www.CareAboutClairemont.com
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