Auto Business Ban May Be Extended

A moratorium on building or expanding automotive businesses on Lincoln Avenue could be extended for another 10 1/2 months.

The City Council on Monday will consider whether it wants to extend the temporary ban approved last month so that staff can have more time to determine long-range goals for the area. The moratorium, which prevents the city from issuing building permits for automotive businesses on Lincoln Avenue, expires May 29.

The council approved the moratorium April 14, citing concern that Lincoln Avenue was becoming too heavily concentrated with body and repair shops, car washes, gas stations and tire stores.

Of 290 businesses on Lincoln Avenue between Holder Street and the Los Coyotes Creek bridge, about 50 are auto-related. Lincoln Avenue is located within the city’s redevelopment area, and officials, who want to improve the area’s aesthetics, said additional automotive shops that bring pollution, traffic and noise may not be the best uses.

The council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 5272 Orange Ave. Information: (714) 229-6680.