Residents Oppose New Development

More than 100 opponents of a proposed theater development overflowed City Council chambers Monday, urging the council to overrule its Planning Commission and amend the proposed development.

“The basic problem we have is that this is going to create a lot more vehicle traffic and a lot of foot traffic as well,” said David Hunt, a 10-year resident of Mission Viejo and one of those who spoke against the proposal.

The project, designed and proposed by the Mission Viejo Co., would create more than 158,000 square feet of offices, retail stores and restaurants, as well as a service station and a six-screen movie theater. It was approved by the Planning Commission earlier this month, but the commission attached 75 conditions.

Wayne Peterson, director of Environmental Planning for the Mission Viejo Co., said Monday that the company accepts the conditions and is prepared to go ahead with the project. “The Mission Viejo Co. is very proud of this project,” Peterson said. “It will be a good neighbor.”

Nevertheless, residents remained concerned about several aspects of the project, particularly the movie theater. Several residents complained that it would increase traffic and place additional burdens on law enforcement.