IRVINE

Organizers of a private Islamic elementary school, who withdrew an application from Rancho Santa Margarita after contentious hearings last year, are now hoping to open in Irvine.

Irvine planning commissioners will discuss the New Horizon School’s designs, which planning officials said meet city guidelines, at their meeting Thursday.

City officials received a number of letters from nearby residents who voiced concern over issues such as traffic congestion, evening noise due to after-school events and kids wandering off campus. But city planners said the school has addressed those concerns.

If the city approves the $4-million project, classes for the school, which will be open to anyone, are scheduled to start in September 2001, said Durry Atassi, a spokesman for the school.

The Planning Commission will meet in City Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.