EL TORO : Land Swap Deal Gets Preliminary OK

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a complicated land swap that would result in a much-needed community center and ball fields for the communities of El Toro and Lake Forest, plus needed land for the extension of Alton Parkway.

“I believe this is a truly unique opportunity to combine several individual projects to meet specific needs of a community, including a community center, playing fields and completion of a major roadway that can divert traffic away from residential neighborhoods while preserving open space corridors,” said Supervisor Gaddi H. Vasquez, who proposed the plan.

It now goes back to the Environmental Management Agency for more work.

Under the plan, the county would give up a 73-acre parcel, and the Foothill Ranch Co. would be allowed to build a commercial and industrial park on up to half of the parcel, preserving the rest for open space. Also, under the agreement, Foothill Ranch Co. would build a community center and three sports fields on an adjacent 10-acre county-owned parcel.

In exchange, the company would purchase land elsewhere to be used for housing for the Marine Corps. In return, the Marine Corps, under an existing agreement, would allow the county to extend Alton Parkway through its property.