State Panel OKs Bolsa Chica Development

Rejecting a staff report and pleas from environmentalists, the California Coastal Commission has approved a plan to build 3,300 homes in one of Southern California’s largest ecologically sensitive wetlands.

The decision Thursday night in favor of the Koll Real Estate Group ended a long controversy before the commission, but it might have started a lengthy court fight over how much development should be allowed at Bolsa Chica, home to many rare species on 1,600 acres next to Huntington Beach.

The commission’s 8-3 vote cleared the last major governmental hurdle for the Koll Group to build 900 homes on 185 acres of wetlands and the other homes on a surrounding mesa. The commission also approved a plan by the company to spend $48 million to restore the remaining wetlands.

The Army Corps of Engineers now must review the plan. If approved, construction is expected to begin within two years.

“When I grew up, my father taught me a lesson,” Commissioner Sam Karas of Monterey said in explaining his yes vote. “Half a loaf of bread is better than no bread. If we don’t allow any development, we’ll end up with no bread.”

But opponents of the plan vowed to challenge the decision. They contend that it violates the state Coastal Act prohibiting residential development in wetland areas.

“I am not happy,” said Connie Boardman, president of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. “They are ignoring the Coastal Act. They threw it out the window. It’s outrageous. We will be talking with our lawyers this week.”

The vote marked a sweetly triumphant moment for the Koll company, which endured countless hours of public hearings to win approval for the massive project.

“I am speechless,” said Lucy Dunn, the Koll Group’s senior vice president. “I think this is the best thing. We are finally moving . . . toward implementation of restoration.”

The vote, characterized by some as a litmus test of the commission’s stand on coastal development, was made after an emotional 12-hour public meeting at which more than 100 people spoke.

Coastal Commissioner Fran Pavley, an environmentalist and Agoura Hills City Council member, said she was disappointed that her colleagues sided with development interests over environmental concerns.

“I can’t tell you how uncomfortable I am,” Pavley said. “This is a historic vote for the commission and to accept this is outrageous.”

In a concession to environmentalists, Koll agreed to dedicate 794 acres of wetlands and pay $7 million toward its restoration even if it decides against developing that portion of the lowlands. Also, the commission required the company to build homes 50 feet farther away from the bluffs than originally planned.

But those agreements did little to mitigate the anger of opponents.

“I’m disgusted,” said Huntington Beach Mayor David Sullivan. “I thought the commission was supposed to protect the coast, not rape it. Bolsa Chica is going to become a rich people’s backyard.”

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Koll Plan

The Koll Group proposed to build up to 3,300 homes at Bolsa Chica and to spend $48 million to restore the remaining wetlands.