BALDWIN HILLS : Plans for $400,000 Homes Outlined

Developers who want to build a dozen hillside homes held an open house last week to provide details to area residents, some of whom have been wary of the project.

Developers Shelley McMillan, Curtis McMillan and Robert Ball--all of Baldwin Hills--said the response from the 25 homeowners who attended the open house was mostly enthusiastic.

“Once people saw we’re building $400,000 custom homes to beautify the community, and that we’re not fronting for some big developer, they supported what we’re doing,” said Shelley McMillan, who lives on Hillcrest Drive near Don Ricardo Drive where the 2.3-acre parcel for the project is being subdivided.

Prior to a Planning Commission hearing last month, some residents opposed the project, saying they didn’t know who the developers were and worried that it would be unsafe to build on the steep slope.

The Planning Commission rejected the project because the proper geological surveys had not been completed. The developers say they will appeal the decision once they have the surveys, which are required to ensure the hillsides will be stabilized and free of the brush that poses a fire hazard.

McMillan said the group had been in touch with the Baldwin Hills Estates Homeowners Assn. since last year, but word of the plans had apparently not gotten out to all members.

The 3- and 4-bedroom homes will range from 2,800 to 3,200 square feet and be priced between $400,000 and $500,000.

“I understand some people have legitimate concerns, especially those near the hillsides,” said Ball. “But the stringent city requirements we have to follow to make things safe should make everyone happy about this project.”

Joe Gardner, a board member of the 3,500-member homeowners association, said the group wants to ensure that the builders address safety issues.

“Cutting into the bluff and putting a large number of residential lots raises a lot of safety concerns,” Gardner said. “We just want things done right.”