San Juan Capistrano : Council Moves Toward Freeway Fees Proposal

Taking half a step toward full membership in a partnership between the county and several local cities aimed at financing construction of new freeway corridors, the City Council has voted to join with other cities in the plan but put off a decision to implement developer fees for another month.

The 3-2 vote came after a brief public hearing Tuesday night at which several residents voiced opposition to the freeway-funding plan, saying that it would put an unfair burden on future residents and home buyers.

Under the joint-powers proposal, participating cities would levy developer fees ranging from $1,010 to $1,305 for new residential dwellings and $1.30 to $1.75 per square foot for new commercial buildings. Construction now under way would not be affected.

Because San Juan Capistrano would be considered a beneficiary of the proposed Foothill/Eastern and San Joaquin Hills corridors, the fees collected from local developers would be used to help pay for those roadways, officials say.

Councilman Ken Fries, an opponent of the fee system who compared the corridor plan to an attacking tank, said the city should participate in the planning process to preserve its interests.

“We should try to climb on the tank and control its direction,” he said. “I wish we could participate in the joint-powers agreement, but without imposing fees that I feel are unreasonable.”