SEAL BEACH : Impact of Old Ranch Project Debated

The first of three public hearings on the Old Ranch development plan drew a mixed response from about 50 residents who packed council chambers this week, but they had to wait nearly three hours to speak.

The Planning Commission meeting Wednesday night began with an overview of the 223-home residential and commercial project proposed by Bixby Ranch Co. near the Old Ranch Country Club. A host of Bixby consultants tried to convince commissioners that any environmental problems associated with the project would be minimal.

The city’s Environmental Quality Control Board concluded on May 23 that the company’s environmental impact report was inadequate. The board expressed concerns about traffic congestion and aircraft noise from the nearby Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center.

But the city’s planning department is recommending approval of the environmental impact report, a fact cited by Bixby attorney Ken Bornholdt, who said aircraft noise and traffic congestion would not be a problem.

“They can be mitigated to a level of insignificance,” Bornholdt said.

Two residents spoke in favor of the plan, calling it an acceptable compromise that, if rejected, could lead to greater commercial development. But many residents speaking at the meeting felt differently.

“This increase in traffic will clog up our already congested streets,” College Park East resident John Follis said, calling the proposal “the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”

Former Seal Beach Councilman Frank Cliff spoke in favor of the project, however, saying opponents have spread “horrific statements” about the development. Cliff said he thinks most Seal Beach residents oppose the project, but only because of “misleading statements” made by opponents.

The Bixby hearings will continue at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the North Seal Beach Community Center and at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at City Hall.