BREA : Fewer Homes, More Open Land Proposed

The developer of the Olinda Heights tract, in response to objections from community and environmental groups, is proposing to build fewer homes and set aside a larger area for parks and other recreational facilities.

Santa Fe Energy Resources has decided to build 1,380 homes rather than the 1,600 it originally planned after community groups complained that the development would significantly increase traffic along Carbon Canyon Road.

In addition, 60% of the developer’s 277-acre property will now be set aside for an elementary school, a park, hiking and biking trails, a possible museum and wilderness habitat.

“We went back and modified our plans after hearing very distinct ideas from the community,” said Ron Keith of the Irvine-based Koll Co., which is managing the project for Santa Fe Energy Resources.

The project, which sits on an existing oil field where a $2-million cleanup is being conducted, has yet to be approved by the city. The plan has not gone before the Planning Commission, officials said. But two public workshops have been held in which members of the community were allowed to express their opinions.

It is the first project in the city’s so-called sphere of influence, a seven-square-mile area of undeveloped land, which is not yet part of the city. If annexed, the city is expected to grow 70% in size.

Although the land is privately owned, community and environmental groups have asked the city to require developers to set aside land for recreational uses and build more single-family homes rather than multifamily dwellings.

Keith said a consultant hired by the city is working on an environmental impact report, which will focus on the project’s effect on traffic, noise and air pollution. The study is expected to be completed in the fall, he said.

The Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission reviewed the project Wednesday, according to Community Services Director Ret Wixted

Wixted said the meeting was a study session for commission members, and no action was taken. Santa Fe Energy Resources officials will make a formal presentation before the commission on Tuesday, she said.