IRVINE : Search Narrows for Firm to Do Project’s Impact Report

The city is moving closer to hiring a firm to prepare an environmental impact report for a proposed 2,500-home Irvine Co. project north of Turtle Rock.

“We’ve interviewed three firms and are now in negotiations with one of the firms,” said Peggy Schneble, manager of planning and development services for the city.

The City Council, in response to angry residents, in September terminated its contract with another firm to prepare the report. About 75 Turtle Rock residents had urged the council to fire the firm because it had worked for the Irvine Co. on other projects.

The three firms being considered for the project are: Environmental Science Associates Inc., Los Angeles; Cotton/Beland/Associates Inc., Pasadena; and the Templeton Group, Newport Beach.