DANA POINT : City to Consider Buying Headlands

Although admittedly not ready to write a check, the City Council has directed its staff to explore the possibility of buying a prime piece of coastal real estate: the promontory known as the Headlands.

The 115-acre bluff-top parcel is one of the largest undeveloped pieces of land in the city. While the value of the land has been estimated at up to $250 million, Mayor Karen Lloreda said the city should find out more precisely what it would cost to buy the Headlands or at least a part of it.

“It is time to let the public know we are open to many possibilities, including buying the land,” Lloreda said. “Nothing’s defined at the moment. The idea is to let staff get some definition about the costs.”

She said the council unofficially explored buying the entire Headlands parcel after the city incorporated in 1989 and found the costs prohibitive. But with the city staff now about to launch a specific plan for the area, she said it was a good time to establish a price as a guideline.

“This idea says we are willing to listen to what the citizens want,” Lloreda said. “But it also says we are not about to go out and use eminent domain to take someone’s property.”

In April, 1991, the owners of the property proposed a hotel and residential development for the land. The property is owned by the Newport Beach-based M.H. Sherman Co. and Chandis Securities Co.

While the development has never been officially submitted for city approval, it sparked outcries from some residents who demanded more open space, more parkland and protection for the wildlife that live there.

Lloreda said the council is willing to listen to all ideas for the parcel.

“I don’t think there is a council member here that is not receptive to a variety of ideas regarding the Headlands,” she said. “Hopefully, this will give the people the opportunity to address the issue and the costs involved.”