City Might Help Miramar Owner with Cash

Should the city offer the owner of the historic, but ramshackle, Miramar Theater in North Beach incentives to renovate it?

Staffers at the city of San Clemente are looking for the City Council to answer that question at Tuesday's meeting.

The vacant theater and bowling alley in North Beach is widely regarded as an eyesore, but the city and its boosters have encouraged the redevelopment of the landmark by private owners, the latest of which is San Juan Capistrano car dealer Marc Spizzirri. The San Clemente Historical Society and newly formed North Beach Community Association were sent copies of the staff report when the item was put on Tuesday’s agenda.

Spizzirri wants to rebuild the venue as a theater and event space. Some floor plans suggested by city staffers also include retail and restaurant space in the bowling alley and parking lot space, according to staff reports.

The city has already spent thousands on historical architecture analysis that will help direct designers of future upgrades.

The San Clemente City Council meets Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. for a presentation of the city's 2014 budget and then goes into regular session at 6 p.m. The meeting will be in Council Chambers, 100 Ave. Presidio.