SEAL BEACH : Panel Nears Decision on 223-Home Project

The Planning Commission is expected to vote Wednesday on whether to recommend the proposed Bixby Ranch Co. development to the City Council.

The proposed 223-home residential and commercial development near the Old Ranch Country Club has divided residents who have packed the past three Planning Commission meetings to take part in heated debate.

On Tuesday, commissioners listened to public comments about the project but postponed an advisory vote for a week. The City Council will make the final decision.

Opponents say the project will generate unacceptable levels of traffic on already congested streets. They also say that some of the planned homes will be too close to the runway at the Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center and could be subject to flooding problems.

A contingent of residents from the nearby unincorporated community of Rossmoor also expressed concerns about traffic and safety issues at the Wednesday night meeting.

“In my discussions with neighbors, I feel you do not realize the depth of opposition to the Bixby project,” said Rossmoor resident Glenn Cook.

Representatives from Bixby Ranch Co. have said the city will take in approximately $800,000 a year in net revenue generated by the project. And Bixby has pledged to spend $1 million in traffic improvements, which company representatives say will prevent additional traffic problems.