Archeological Sites Identified in Path of Hellman Project

A draft environmental impact report for the controversial Hellman Ranch project states that at least seven possible important archeological sites could be adversely affected by development.

But with the exception of noise from a neighboring helicopter port, the project will not affect the environment significantly in any other way, says the recently released report.

The project has been embroiled in controversy over the years, primarily over housing density. Most recently, conflict has arisen over whether sacred Native American artifacts and graves exist on the land.

The EIR specifies what action the city and developers can take if important archeological sites are found. One archeologist has contended that several such sites are there.

In the event that human remains are found, the report says, no further excavation or disturbance of that part of the property shall take place until the state Native American Commission is contacted.

Local Native American tribes have been working closely with the city. Meanwhile, the city has been in the process of hiring a new archeologist. City Manager Keith Till said the City Council will decide between two candidates at the end of the month.

Proposed by the Hellman family rather than developers, the current plan is to build 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. The report, three phone book-sized volumes, will be available for public comment until May 27 before it goes before the Planning Commission for public hearings. City planners expect a revised report to make it before the City Council by late June or early July.

The draft report concludes that the development on the 231 acres, off Seal Beach Boulevard near the Naval Weapons Station, will not significantly impact the area’s ecological reserves, water quality, parks and recreation, transportation, housing or aesthetics.

“We all knew what the constraints were when we designed the project,” said Jerry Tone, a project manager and member of the Hellman family. “We’ve been optimistic all along that we’ve addressed all the concerns for this project.”