Editorial:

We understand the concerns of neighbors who fear that a new In-N-Out Burger restaurant might present some nuisances, but let’s face it, now isn’t the greatest time to be turning our noses up at new revenue.

Everyone, by now, ought to understand the dire financial situation we face.

Costa Mesa leaders already were staring down a projected $19-million budget hole, but it could get even scarier if voters reject the measures on Tuesday’s ballot. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is threatening to raid the city treasuries to patch over the state’s budget gap, meaning Costa Mesa might lose $3.4 million more in revenue.

Meanwhile, the In-N-Out opens up the sales-tax spigot at Gisler Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, which was last home to Kaplan’s Deli when it shuttered in 2005.

We’re aware that In-N-Out isn’t going to sell enough burgers to solve the city’s problems, but when you consider Costa Mesa leaders are willing to tax people who need an ambulance, then you know things are desperate and their patience for the usual complaints about traffic and aesthetics is thinner. Sorry to say, but we don’t blame them.

And city officials have won some concessions, rejecting a 65-foot-tall sign (twice as high as the one there) and forcing some landscaping and maintenance around the restaurant.

The other concern, which is quite legitimate, is the fear that hungry drivers will block traffic if the drive-through lane stacks up.

That can be addressed through enforcement with code inspectors and the police. That’s their job, and the city cannot afford to flush the whole project on that basis alone.

So the Planning Commission wisely approved it. Now let’s hope that the property owner doesn’t dunk the deal because of the city’s demands, which we think are reasonable.