PLACENTIA : Project Targeted for One of Last Farmlands
To the dismay of some residents, one of the last farmlands that once surrounded the city will disappear if a home project is developed on fields north of City Hall.
The City Council has tentatively approved a 134-unit development on Alta Vista Street between Kraemer Boulevard and All America Way.
The 21.6-acre project is awaiting final approval from the Planning Commission, which last month signed off on a 43-home development on an adjoining five-acre parcel owned by the city. Placentia will earn $2.1 million from the sale of the property to Saddleback Land and Development Co.
“This is about the last remaining farmland in the city,” said Joyce Rosenthal, city director of development services. “Once these homes are built, they will fill up all the undeveloped land north of City Hall.”
The 21.6-acre parcel is owned by the Kraemer family, descendants of a pioneering family that owned the original Spanish land grant. The family now grows strawberries and other row crops on that land.
Paul Kraemer, manager of the family-owned development company, FKC Partners, said the development will be compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.
But several residents said the city should work with the Kraemer family to try to preserve Placentia’s remaining farmland.
“It’s a shame our society is going this way,” resident Howard Kay said. “We’re going to have trouble feeding our kids.”
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