MISSION VIEJO : Boys Town USA Project Approved

Despite a last-minute objection from a resident, the County Board of Supervisors Tuesday granted final approval to Boys Town USA to build five homes on 13 acres northeast of Mission Viejo near Trabuco Canyon Road.

The board voted 5 to 0 to approve the project following a final appeal by Ray Chandos, co-founder of the Rural Canyon Conservation Fund. He claimed that changes had been made to plans since the last public hearing two weeks ago.

Chandos, who lives in view of the project that is located on a ridge between Rose and Hickey canyons, said the changes should be reviewed by the public and appropriate government agencies before the board gives its final approval.

But Michael Ruane, director of planning for the Environmental Management Agency, said the latest changes did not require more formal review and in fact “strengthen the project.”

Chandos has filed suit seeking a court order to set aside the county Planning Commission’s approval of the project. The suit claims that the project is inconsistent with parts of the county general plan.

Residents opposed to the project say they are not against Boys Town or the project, but to its location on a ridgeline. They are concerned that it will set a precedent for building on ridgelines.