Townhomes OKd for former church site in Lido Village

Townhomes can replace what was formerly a Christian Science church in the Lido Village area of Newport Beach, the California Coastal Commission decided at its meeting Thursday in Newport Beach.

The application, brought before the commission by New Port Beach Townhouse LLLP, calls for demolishing two buildings on 1.2 acres in favor of 23 three-story townhomes.

The plan also includes two parking spaces in each townhouse garage, along with 12 onsite guest parking spots and about 2,500 square feet of landscaped open space.

The site along the 3300 block of Via Lido isn’t far from where the former Newport Beach City Hall is to be replaced by a boutique hotel. Officials hope the move will inject life into the area.

—Jill Cowan