Rancho Santa Margarita : Public Hearing Set on New Community
A hearing on conceptual plans for a 9,800-home community east of Mission Viejo has been set for Sept. 6 by the county Planning Commission.
On Tuesday, commissioners looked at an environmental study for the proposed 2,600-acre Ladera community, formerly known as the Horno area.
“We have created several land use alternatives for the area,” said Diane Gaynor, spokesperson for the developer, the Santa Margarita Co. “Although no specific development plans currently exist, the intent is to eventually develop portions of the Horno within master community plan guidelines.”
Environmentalists say they are troubled by the lack of discussion on the possible long-term effects of a new, large community in South County.
“It’s not what is said, but what is not said up there,” said Pete DeSimone. “How will this [development] affect the county down the line?”
Company and county officials say the only reason that any kind of plans were drawn up was by request of the county, which wanted to plan roads in the Ladera area.
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