FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Project for 140 Townhouses Denied

After a lengthy public hearing that included impassioned pleas by some of the 80 residents in attendance, the city Planning Commission this week unanimously voted to deny a project for 140 townhouses based on its high density.

But the commission did approve a General Plan amendment for the Lighthouse Lane site that opponents contend still allows too high a density for the area.

“We still oppose a townhouse-type project,” resident Ginger Cox said. “The density is still too high and doesn’t get rid of any of the issues.”

The amendment changes the classification on the 8.6-acre property from commercial to medium density of 10.8 units per acre, paving the way for the developer to resubmit a project proposal for a maximum of 93 dwellings.

Opponents have argued that anything other than single-family homes will increase noise and traffic and invite crime to the area. They are pushing for five units per acre, which would allow a maximum of 43 single-family homes at the site. Cox said that her opposition group will appeal to the City Council to deny the amendment.

The group also wants the Fountain Valley School District to sell the property outright and discontinue its plans of entering into a joint venture partnership with Tumanjan Development. The surplus site, at the northeast corner of Newland Street and Talbert Avenue, is part of the district’s plan to generate revenue.

The commission based its decision on density limits suggested by the Citizens Advisory Committee report on the city’s General Plan. Because the report has yet to be approved and adopted by the City Council, project supporters--whose numbers dominated the meeting--repeatedly asked the commission not to consider the yet unofficial limit.

“This particular project is absolutely necessary. Ultimately our children will win or lose based on your decision,” resident Joyce Albright said.

But before casting their votes, commissioners expressed their indignation at the pleas by school district officials and project supporters to weigh the fate of the students over city ordinances.

“I’ve resented being told we’re going to be a roadblock in the school’s success,” Commissioner Zita Wessa said.