Monterey Park : Atlantic Square’s Plan OKd

Responding to complaints from neighbors upset by plans to refurbish the Atlantic Square Shopping Center, the Planning Commission has unanimously approved changes in the proposed traffic patterns, loading areas and entrances to the center.

The board also gave its approval for the conditional-use permit and the tenant-mix plan that the developer, Champion Development Co. of Long Beach, needs to build the $26 million project at the corner of South Atlantic Boulevard and Floral Drive.

For nearly six hours, beginning on the night of July 13, the board heard testimony from about 20 residents, city officials and consultants.

Among those testifying were some of the residents who late last month submitted petitions with more than 1,000 signatures protesting the redevelopment project. The petitioners claimed their needs had been ignored by city officials and the developer.