SEAL BEACH : Coastal Agency OKs Ranch Development

Reversing an earlier decision, the California Coastal Commission on Friday voted 11 to 1 in favor of Mola Development Corp.’s request to build a residential housing project on the Hellman Ranch Property in southwest Seal Beach.

The permit was granted on the condition that the Newport Beach-based firm revise plans to restore 38 acres of wetlands adjacent to the proposed development. The commission’s staff concluded that the current plan for the wetlands restoration is an “incomplete and inaccurate document” that does not take into account the basic needs of plant life in the marsh.

The commission also required the company to set aside four more acres for future wetland restoration. As a result, the company will trim 26 units from its development. The company now plans to build 329 units on the 149-acre site.

The original proposal called for 770 units, including 600 condominiums. But that plan was strongly opposed by residents and environmentalists, and prompted the company to scale back its plans.

After the commission’s vote Friday, Mola project director Kirk Evans said the company will begin efforts to purchase the Hellman Ranch land immediately. Mola has held an option on the property for three years.

The company hopes to have its revised restoration plan approved by the state commission within the next three months and to break ground by August, Mola finance director Tim Roberts said.

Meanwhile, Wetlands Restoration Society representatives plan to go forward with their lawsuit against the city to halt the Mola project. The group has accused the city of negotiating illegally with the company and failing to comply with city housing regulations. Galen Ambrose, the group’s vice president, said the society will seek an injunction to halt all work on the project until the suit against the city can be heard in court.

“We are not at all surprised with (the Coastal Commission’s) decision,” said Ambrose, who plans to run for the Seal Beach City Council. “We are prepared to fight this thing. That land they want to build on is all historic wetlands that still could be restored.”