Hillside Home Plan Irks Neighbors

I have been a resident of Laguna Beach for almost 30 years, and I am appalled and dismayed with the prospect of the city approving and moving forward on the Diamond/Crestview Specific Plan for development of Tract No. 764.

A review of this plan by anyone possessing even a small speck of intelligence would have to conclude that it is one of the worst land-use nightmares ever to confront Laguna Beach!

This plan will allow the construction of approximately 125 homes in what is one of the most pristine and significant areas in Laguna Beach.

The plan includes the widening of roadways throughout so that they can handle the estimated 1,000-plus additional car trips per day in and out of this area, which will only add to the existing gridlock condition in most areas of the city. Businesses as well as residents will be seriously affected by this additional traffic.

This development represents a clear and present threat to Laguna Beach open space and our community’s quality of life.

If this project is approved, it will give the green light to other developers to launch additional development projects on other pristine areas throughout Laguna Beach.

We must find the means and the will to keep this project from bulldozing the public interest.

PATRICK E. CORY, Laguna Beach