HUNTINGTON BEACH : Developers Told to Cut Project Density

The City Council has told developers to scale down a 284-condominium project proposed for 9.8 acres of land near the ocean and to redraw plans so that homes won’t butt up against the boundaries of the future regional Bolsa Chica Linear Park.

City Councilwoman Grace Winchell, who appealed an earlier Planning Commission approval, said the number of condominiums should be nearly halved to have the same densities of nearby housing developments.

“It’s sad to think the Huntington Beach Co. would contemplate that kind of density and bulk at that location,” Winchell said.

The condominium project, called Surfcrest North, is being planned by Urban West Communities and calls for seven three-story buildings near Palm and Seapoint avenues. Tom Zanic, a company vice president, said Urban West is complying with city zoning that allows for 29 units per acre on that land.

Zanic said the company would face “very significant” reductions if forced to downscale to neighboring densities. “We are responding the best we can,” he said.

While zoning for the development is 29 units per acre, it is 12 to 15 units to the acre for nearby Seacliff developments, city officials said.

The proposed project also drew fire from environmentalists because condominiums, in places, will be located within 10 feet of the boundaries of the narrow 106-acre linear park that will offer hiking, cycling and horseback trails.

Terry Dolton, president of the Amigos de Bolsa Chica environmental organization, said the density and proximity of the homes to the park is “out of step” with the location.