Laguna Beach May Acquire 120 Acres of Open Land

A deal through which Laguna Beach might acquire 120 acres of open land within the city limits for $625,000 was announced late Friday by City Manager Kenneth C. Frank.

The site, next to Morningside Drive, encompasses almost all the undeveloped land between Old Top of the World and Arch Beach Heights. While much of the property is steep bluffs, “the upper portion is relatively flat and offers sensational views of the coastline,” Frank said.

Mayor Martha Collison and Mayor Pro Tem Neil Fitzpatrick said they were approached by a representative of Bayview Laguna Enterprises several weeks ago seeking permission to develop homes on part of the parcel, in return for which the remainder would be dedicated to the city as parkland.

But in a statement released Friday, they said that, “after intense negotiations conducted at our direction by the city manager, the property owner (Bayview Laguna Enterprises) has agreed to sell approximately 50 acres to the city for $635,000” and the remaining 70 acres would be turned over to the city.

Details of the negotiations were not revealed.

Frank said the deal still must be approved by the City Council at its meeting next Wednesday but added that no opposition is expected. In the meantime, he said, he will start the legal process for acquiring the land.