Accord on Bixby Land Deal Sought

City and community leaders are meeting today in hopes of reaching an agreement over future development of Bixby Ranch Co. land near College Park East. They are are trying to hammer out a compromise allowing for future development of the land but avoiding the piecemeal sale of Bixby holdings--especially the Old Ranch Tennis Club.

Marriott International Inc. hopes to purchase more than four acres from Bixby Ranch Co., including the tennis club, to build a senior home known as Brighton Gardens near College Park East.

Resident Joe Siler said College Park East residents have no complaint with Marriott’s proposal but hope to avoid loss of the tennis club in connection with the senior home.

Marriott plans call for Brighton Gardens to house 115 seniors needing some form of assistance and another 45 requiring skilled nursing, said Wayne Sant, company director of real estate. No formal plans have been filed with the city. Sant said the Bixby property is attractive to Marriott because it is near Leisure World.

College Park East residents have long opposed residential and commercial development of the Bixby-owned land. A recent proposal for a mix of residential and commercial building in the area was rejected by the community.

In apparent frustration over its inability to design a workable development in Seal Beach, Bixby officials plan to sell off chunks of land to other businesses.

Ronald A. Bradshaw, Bixby senior vice president for real estate development, said the company is selling 23 acres currently zoned for commercial use. The Marriott deal, which accounts for nearly 20% of the available land, is among several deals under negotiation.

Bixby owns 230 acres in north Seal Beach.