HUNTINGTON BEACH : Group Appeals Condo Decision

A proposed condominium development near the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve is being appealed to the California Coastal Commission, which is expected to hear the appeal within the next two months.

At issue is the city’s recent approval of the 252-unit Surfcrest North condominium project. The condos would be built in the Seacliff Country Club area, next to land dedicated for the county’s Bolsa Chica Linear Regional Park.

An environmental group, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, opposes the project, claiming it is too dense and would ruin the new county park. The group and Councilwoman Grace Winchell are jointly appealing the project to the Coastal Commission.

“The developers, Pacific Coast Homes and Urban West Communities, have continued to ask for the maximum density for Surfcrest North, in spite of strong opposition from the Amigos de Bolsa Chica, the Huntington Beach Seacliff Homeowners Assn. and other citizens in the community who decry its inappropriateness in the Linear Park,” said Adrianne Morrison, executive director of Amigos de Bolsa Chica.

Morrison said the proposed development would obstruct scenic views, would limit access to the new park and would be incompatible with existing homes.

In rebuttal, Thomas A. Zanic, vice president of Urban West Communities, contended that Surfcrest North is a well-planned project that harmonizes with the area. He said that the project, in gaining Planning Commission and City Council approval earlier this year, has complied with all city and coastal zoning laws.

“Local coastal plan zoning (in Huntington Beach) allows for 35 units per acre, and our project only has 25.7 units per acre,” Zanic said. “The height and architecture of homes to be built in the project will be compatible with the area. We do not think there are any compatibility issues or access issues. We have followed every rule and regulation that the city has given, and we do not feel there are grounds for appealing this to the Coastal Commission.”

State law gives the Coastal Commission final say on proposed development near the coast.