July 9 Daily Briefing: Progress on In-N-Out, library’s AC issue, council meets tonight, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone, where we’ve got updates on a few projects you’ve been asking about. As many have noticed, the Dream Hotel project near the convention center appears to have stalled again. Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein told attendees at yesterday’s ONE-PS monthly meeting that the project is undergoing “value engineering” (AKA cost cutting) before resuming work. In downtown, the Orchid Tree project has its first permits due by Aug. 23. And at the former Racquet Club property off North Indian Canyon Drive, a “credible group” continues to look at purchasing the property but has so far not entered into a deal. We’ll continue to monitor progress (or lack thereof) on all these projects.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears

LEADING OFF

Planning commissioners unanimously move In-N-Out project forward, with conditions

In-N-Out Burgers can move forward with plans to construct its first Palm Springs location following a vote Tuesday evening. But don’t get your extra napkins ready just yet.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs Planning Commission approved the restaurant chain’s proposal for a new restaurant at Smoke Tree Village off East Palm Canyon Drive, but attached sweeping conditions. 

• The 7-0 vote came after about three hours of discussion focusing on traffic safety, architectural compatibility, and resident concerns.

What they’re saying: Commissioner Robert Rotman said the building, as currently designed, appeared to be like most others in the chain — designed to be viewed by drivers going 80 miles per hour down a freeway rather than fitting the “much more pedestrian, slower scale” urban environment of Palm Springs.

• In-N-Out’s development manager Peter Kulmaticki acknowledged the company’s willingness to work on architectural changes but offered no guarantees.

What’s required: The extensive conditions also mandate reduced overparking, enhanced safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists, improved drive-through screening, and upgraded landscaping with larger trees.

What’s next: The project now goes back to a joint subcommittee of the Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for redesign review before proceeding to the full ARC for consideration.

• No timeline was provided for when In-N-Out might return with revised plans.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🏛️ COD updates, library renovation and more on tonight’s Council agenda

The Palm Springs City Council will hear updates about the College of the Desert (COD) Palm Springs Campus, library renovation, and an ordinance regulating co-owned housing units.

• On the agenda tonight are two items related to COD, a presentation and a request to begin construction at 5 a.m. rather than 7 a.m. during the hot summer months.
  
• Councilmembers will also consider two major construction contracts. The first contract totals about $30 million for the library renovation and the second is for a $77 million contract for a new baggage handling system at the airport. Also on the agenda, updates to the city’s co-owned housing ordinance.
  
• Details: The regular meeting is open to the public in council chambers at City Hall. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at (760) 323-8204 at any time prior to the end of the public comment period. View the meeting live on YouTube.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

Core & More
9 a.m. | The Center
Designed to improve stability and prevent falls, as well as bring a lot of fun to your workout routine. This class is held weekly and run by Emma Middlebrook. ($15)

Sustainability Subcommittee on Climate Action
1 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, committee members will discuss the Energy-Efficient Upgrade Ordinance and Heat and Shade Study.

Palm Springs City Council
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The city council meets this evening in closed and open session. Check out the agenda here. 

Palm Springs Power Game
7 p.m. | Palm Springs Stadium
If the power has been restored at the stadium, your Palm Springs Power face off against the So Cal Mavericks. ($10)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Falsettos begins at Palm Canyon Theatre on Friday
  
• Your Extraordinary Mind on Saturday at the Cultural Center
  
• PSUSD classified job fair on July 16 at the school district office
  
• Good Trouble Lives On discussion, music, and tribute to the late Congressman John Lewis on July 17
  
• ALL OUT, a summer dance party put on by The LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert on July 19

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs city crews are working around the clock to restore full power to Sunrise Park facilities after a decades-old master control unit failed over the Fourth of July weekend, creating a cascade of equipment problems that now includes an air conditioning malfunction forcing the temporary closure of the city library.

Driving the news: City Manager Scott Stiles said Tuesday that the 25-30 year old electrical control system that distributes power to multiple city facilities suffered a catastrophic failure in the middle of the night following successful Independence Day celebrations, initially affecting the swim center, library, ballpark, and pavilion.

Current status: While the library building has power restored, an air conditioning malfunction has forced its temporary closure. The swim center remains closed as staff work to recirculate and rebalance 500,000 gallons of water, but the ballpark is expected to reopen today.

• Three large generators are providing temporary power while the city awaits a permanent replacement control panel costing over $100,000.

Program relocations: All library programs scheduled for today and Thursday have been moved to the Demuth Community Center at 3601 E Mesquite Ave., including story times, adult programs, and teen activities.

Why it matters: The timing couldn’t be worse for residents seeking relief from summer temperatures at both the pool and library, though Stiles noted that the failure occurring after July 4th festivities was fortunate given the weekend’s planned activities.

What’s next: City leaders are asking for patience as crews work to fully restore all facilities, with updates on library reopening to be shared as soon as available.