On Aug. 8, the La Jolla Planned District Ordinance Committee (PDO) voted unanimously that the Riford Center project, a proposed renovation of the adult fitness, learning and social facility located at 6811 La Jolla Blvd., complies with the PDO and keeps with the existing character of the community. Architect Michael Morton explained the materials, signage, colors and façade changes to the building, including reconstruction that would bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Proposed improvements include the reconstruction of a restroom, the installation of new energy-efficient lighting and renovation of the courtyard. The facility will also get a facelift with fresh paint, new cobblestone and Windansea-themed tiling at the building’s main entrance. Neighbors expressed concerns at the meeting regarding Morton’s proposed plans for a side entrance and access ramp on the side of the building facing Bonair Street. The PDO Committee listened to public comments on issues with the side entrance including ADA-compliance issues and cost concerns. Trustees, however, were unable to take any of those issues into consideration in their decision. Trustee Jim Fitzgerald reminded the committee and the public that the PDO committee’s role is to endorse or not endorse the applicant’s proposal based on compliance with the PDO and land Uue code. “I’m going to make the assumption that the plan is ADA compliant,” he said. “Our focus has got to be ‘does the plan, as proposed, comply with all the requirements of the land use code, which includes the PDO with respect to materials, façade and signing?’” Committee chairwoman Ione Steigler acknowledged the concerns of the public, but reiterated that the committee’s only purview is to look at PDO-related issues, not those of ADA compliance, cost or permitting issues. “I would like to see a public discussion between the applicant and interested parties regarding those issues,” she said. “Determining whether the pathway that is suggested meets ADA or not is beyond our PDO review.” The LJCPA will hear the Riford Center’s proposal at its next meeting on Sept. 1.
