Meeting to Focus on Hellman Project

Hellman Ranch project managers will hold an informational community seminar on the proposed development from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tonight at the Mary Wilson Library, 707 Electric Ave.

The community forum follows a tense two weeks in the city where the mayor quit, then rescinded her decision, after receiving a threat that police speculate may be linked to the Hellman project. Observers say Mayor Gwen Forsythe has been a key figure in negotiating a scaled-down version of the project and drawing out environmental issues.

Dave Bartlett and Jerry Tone, project managers, say the public meeting will describe the project rather than address issues. Consultants working on the development plan will also be available to answer questions.

Bartlett and Tone will outline some of the property owners’ proposals--building 70 homes, an 18-hole public golf course and limited commercial space. The project also specifies restoring and preserving more than 40 acres of wetlands and park grounds. Of the 231 acres in the development plan, 183 acres are owned by the Hellman family.

The Hellman Ranch project area--off Seal Beach Boulevard near the Naval Weapons Station--has been embroiled in controversy over the last few years. Most recently, it has been the center of debate by dueling archeologists over whether the property contains prehistoric burial grounds and sacred artifacts.

City officials expect to release a long-awaited draft of the environmental impact report on the property in the next two weeks.

The newly named Coastal Gabrielino-Digeueno Band of Mission Indians and the Juaneno tribe are now assisting the city in selecting an archeological consultant, said City Manager Keith Till in a letter he sent to The Times.