MISSION VIEJO : Planners Hear Public on Horno Project
Public testimony on a 9,800-home development planned for an area east of Mission Viejo was completed by the county Planning Commission on Wednesday, but no immediate action will be taken on the proposal.
Some local environmentalists have asked the commission to turn down the project.
Pete DiSimone, who manages the Audubon Society’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary, said there are too many unanswered questions about traffic and other issues for the project to merit even preliminary approval.
“I’m not looking for no development,” DiSimone said. “I’m looking for a level that will not put a burden on the people living here.”
Plans for the project in the area known as Horno have received the support of county staff, although planners recommended that the development be scaled down to 8,100 homes.
“While we felt the 9,800-unit proposal gave us more flexibility,” said Diane Gaynor, spokeswoman for developer Santa Margarita Co., “we also recognized the county’s effort to reach a balance between maximizing open space and maximizing housing opportunities.”
Commissioners have studied an environmental report on the proposed development and an outline of where land boundaries, streets, homes, shopping centers and fire stations would be.
Planners are also considering a southern extension of Antonio Parkway to provide a freeway alternative for commuters.
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