NEWPORT BEACH : Plan to Build 2,550 Homes Draws Fire

The Irvine Co.’s proposed development of up to 2,550 homes just south of Newport Beach, about two miles inland from the Corona del Mar coast, drew concern from nearby residents and city officials Tuesday at the first hearings on the project by the Orange County Planning Commission.

Irvine Co. officials said the proposed San Joaquin Hills Planned Community would be adequately served by roads already under construction and would complement the company’s Irvine Coast Planned Community, which lies just to the south of the proposed development.

The Irvine Coast development, which will consist of 2,600 homes, several hotels and more than 7,000 acres of open space, received county approval in 1988 after years of negotiations with environmentalists and civic leagues.

Some of those who acquiesced to the earlier development in a compromise agreement with the Irvine Co. complained Tuesday that the San Joaquin Hills proposal would double the number of homes the company wants to build in the area. Among those who agreed to the earlier development but raised questions about the latest one was Newport Beach Councilwoman Jean H. Watt, president of Stop Polluting Our Newport.

“This is more density than we think would be compatible with the surrounding area,” Watt told the commission.

Irvine Co. officials, however, argued that the proposed development is consistent with the county’s development plans for the area and assured commission members that they will once again work out their differences with project opponents.

“The Irvine Co. wants to be a good neighbor,” said Gary Weber, the company’s project manager for the San Joaquin Hills Planned Community. “We’ve shown that all along.”

The Planning Commission will hold hearings on the project Dec. 18 and again in early January.