LAGUNA NIGUEL : City Adopts Its First General Plan

After 14 months of planning and more than 60 public meetings, the City Council has adopted its first general plan--a document that will guide growth and development into the next century.

“This is the city’s first general plan and it really is a big deal for a new city,” planner Robin Putnam said.

Although council members unanimously agreed Tuesday that the plan marked a “milestone” for the 3-year-old community, it did not come without a last-minute barrage of opposition.

Lawyers for ridgeline property owner Jack Binion said that revised zoning guidelines would “unlawfully burden” his attempts to build homes on the 22-acre site.

Meanwhile, attorney William C. Holzwarth blasted Councilman Paul M. Christiansen for suggesting that American Indian archeological artifacts are buried below the ridgeline--a potential threat to development plans for the site.

“We have several archeologists who will tell you flat out you’re wrong,” Holzwarth said. “We believe this was just . . . a political play. You’re running for reelection.”

Christiansen refused to answer the charges, saying that the hearing was not an appropriate setting for discussing the matter. A city archeologist will be investigating the site and his findings will be included as part of an environmental impact report.

For the most part however, officials said the general plan process went smoothly and was completed ahead of schedule.

Under the plan, an additional 4,615 homes could be built in the city between now and 2010. The city has about 21,600 homes and a population of more than 45,000. The projected population when the city reaches its capacity is 61,671.

Since the city does not have a central commercial district, the development of additional retail outlets and more efficient use of undeveloped land are listed as important general plan goals. Under the plan’s guidelines, officials are calling for an additional 3.4 million square feet of commercial development by 2010.