Post #366662 by SoccerTiki on Thu, Mar 13, 2008 9:09 AM

Sam's was very interesting last night!

About 25 people showed to the "informal" meeting held by the owner of the land Sam's sits on. Most of whom were local property owners that are concerned with the removal of their ocean views and increase in traffic, trash, noise and safety.

The owner brought with him his business partner and architect to display and talk about a new structure including 5 retail shops with 16 condos sitting on top of them. All with underground parking for the condos and surface parking for the shops. There would also be another detached structure that would house a small restaurant or food court. The design looked updated and I think would definitely not fit in with the "small town" feeling that Surfside currently enjoys.

Once the architect starting describing the layout of the new building he was bombarded with questions concerning the obstruction of the view from surrounding home owners. Then the issues of safety came up (and the fact that there have been five recent deaths on PCH around the bend in front of Sam's.) Then came up the issues of additional traffic and parking issues.

I think the coup de gras came when I asked if they had contingency plans if the Sam's building became a designated landmark. The partner looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language! His "deer in the headlights" look showed everyone that he and they had not considered this a potential obstacle! He fluffed off my question with something to the effect of "...well, right now it isn't..."

When the nature of the questions from the crowd focused in on the anticipated selling price of the condos and lease occupancy I thought it appropriate to ask "Even thought it is public information available to all at the county records, what did you pay for the Sam's property?"
Again, I took the partner by surprise and he deflected to the owner who refused to answer! Right in front of everyone! It really made them look like they had something to either hide or be embarrassed about!

They did mention the fact that this was an "exploratory meeting" and they still had to submit plans to both the City of Huntington Beach and the CA Coastal Commission. It is still a long while off before anything would be decided (IE. permits, plan approvals, etc.)

My analysis: The owner and his partner(s) are in for a battle. They came to the meeting to win over the "locals" and they left them with a bitter taste in their mouths, a bit scared, and a lot more questions! (I even heard a couple of owners mentioning law suits!) I also feel that if the owners hooked up with some historical society members and some tiki freaks, they could (and should) pursue the idea of turning the Sam's building into an historical landmark.

The current managing partner of Sam's seems wiling to do what it take to make the restaurant become successful again. There is a name change in the plan to "Kona's". He (Chuck) is very approachable and I'll keep optimistic about the immediate future of the last remaining tiki temple in the O.C.

I think that there is definitely a possibility that the Sam's building may be saved from the wrecking ball.....As long as there is no "mysterious fire" that destroys it first!

***I took notes on cocktail napkins, along with a couple Mai-Tai's....So I hope this doesn't come out to fuzzy!