SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : School Bus Yard Study OKd Amid Protests
Amid objections from angry residents, the Capistrano Unified School District board has approved an environmental report that smoothes the way for construction of a bus yard in Aliso Viejo.
The facility, planned for an eight-acre parcel at Liberty and Laguna Hills Drive near Aliso Creek Road, will complement the district’s five-acre Capistrano Beach bus yard, which has become too small for the district’s growing fleet.
A few dozen homeowners protested the plan during a heated public hearing Monday night, contending that the bus yard would be too close to homes and bring noise, diesel fumes and increased traffic to their city.
Some opponents made loud remarks, interrupting board members after the public hearing was closed. One woman stood up and said, “Please do not make a decision that endangers my son.”
But board members said they had complied with all environmental requirements, and needed the new facility for the rapidly growing district.
The district has 150 buses. The new facility will house as many as 113 buses.
Board President Marlene Draper sought to diffuse the homeowners’ tension.
“We understand that you don’t want us there,” Draper said. “I urge you as we continue with this process to work with us, not against us.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
