Panel OKs Port Hueneme Homes Project

Port Hueneme residents are relieved that new homes, and not more industry, will be built on a 17-acre property after a vote this week by the California Coastal Commission.

The commission voted 7 to 2 Wednesday to rezone the acreage from industrial to residential to make way for 150 single-family houses, town homes and a park.

“We’re very happy,” said resident Barbara Burnett, who addressed the commission at its meeting in San Pedro. “It was a wonderful conclusion to a long, long battle. I’m glad they did see the light that there is very little land left in Port Hueneme for homes.”

Commission staff had recommended denying the rezoning, saying that state environmental laws put a higher priority on industrial uses for property in the coastal zone.

But commission members agreed with builder John Laing Homes, residents and Port Hueneme city staff that more homes were sorely needed in the community.

Casey Beyer, an executive with Newport Beach-based Laing Homes, said the company will likely break ground next spring. Starting prices will be determined later, he said.

“We anticipate there’s a good market out there,” Beyer said. “It’s on the coast and a lot of people like to live near the coast.”

Laing will donate nine units to the city for its affordable housing program.