In what may mark the end of a long and arduous battle, the city’s Planning Commission voted 5-1 on Sept. 9 to reject an appeal by the La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA), approving the planned Whitney project in La Jolla Shores. The LJCPA filed the appeal in response to a hearing officer’s decision to approve the project in late July. The project would entail the demolition of two one-story buildings at 2202 and 2206 Avenida de la Playa, paving the way for construction on a three-story building with commercial space on the ground floor, two apartments above and an underground parking lot. LJCPA president Joe LaCava represented the planning group at the hearing. The LJCPA and other organizations have long opposed the project on the grounds that its bulk and scale compromise the character of the neighborhood. Other opponents have argued the building’s plan lacks sufficient visibility triangles on its northern face bordering Calle Clara. Despite these concerns, LaCava said, the planning commissioners felt the design of the building complies with the La Jolla Shores Planned District Ordinance. “[The] chairman … explored in detail a number of other issues … and felt that the only issue that had merit was the design of the eastern side of the building,” LaCava said. “He sought a redesign to include more articulation. However, the other commissioners did not agree. He noted that his opposition to the motion was to the project in general, but that it did not address his one concern.” Although the Planning Commission’s decision is final with regard to the discretionary permit, LaCava said the environmental documents could be appealed for 10 working days following the Planning Commission’s decision. As a result, the deadline to appeal would be Sept. 23. Julie Hamilton, attorney for the grassroots community organization La Jolla Shores Tomorrow, said she suspects the Planning Commission’s decision will be appealed, but said she is not certain if the group she represents will be the appellant. Lynne Heidel, the attorney representing the Whitneys, said she was under the impression the environmental document would be appealed. Meanwhile, she said, “I’m sure that Mr. Whitney will make plans to move forward with the project as soon as he can.”