LAGUNA BEACH : Coastal Panel Asked to Stop Smithcliffs
The city has appealed to the California Coastal Commission to halt development of a 26-home project proposed for an ocean bluff adjacent to the city.
The development, known as Smithcliffs, was approved by the County Board of Supervisors earlier this month over the city’s vehement objections.
“We’re hoping the Coastal Commission will look more closely at some of our concerns,” said City Manager Kenneth C. Frank.
City officials say the project could create traffic problems and will be a drain on local services because the city’s police, fire and paramedic crews would have to serve the new community. Environmentalists have opposed the plan because the development site is a roosting area for migrating monarch butterflies.
The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the Coastal Commission appeal. A hearing date has not yet been set, Frank said.
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