MISSION VIEJO : Residents’ Opposition Postpones Commission’s Decision on Housing Project

Planning commissioners delayed a decision involving a controversial 47-unit housing project this week when users of a neighboring recreation center raised concerns about parking.

The proposed development on Casta del Sol Road near Marguerite Parkway also drew heavy opposition from nearby residents who filled the meeting at City Hall to complain about the project’s size.

Both the South Coast YMCA and the Nadadores swim club said the development would take away parking used by customers and swimmers at the neighboring recreation center.

YMCA representatives said they leased the center property with the understanding that parking was included. Nadadores swimmers have used the parking lot for almost 20 years.

But Community Development Director Clint Sherrod said both groups had been using portions of the parking lot formerly owned by the Mission Viejo Co. The company sold the lot to Polygon Communities, which is building the 47-unit housing project.

Sherrod, whose staff recommended approval of the project, said the proposed development is within city guidelines calling for no more than 6.5 units per acre.

The proposed single-family housing tract calls for 47 homes on about nine acres. The Planning Commission will consider the plan again at its Nov. 6 meeting.