Hellman Ranch Project a Step Closer to Reality
Despite emotional pleas from Native American groups anxious to stop construction of the controversial Hellman Ranch project, the proposed golf course and custom home development moved a step closer to reality this week.
After more than five hours of public hearings, including appeals by anthropologists and Native Americans concerned that ancient burial grounds and villages may have existed on the site, the City Council approved an environmental impact report Monday night that paves the way for project approval.
The report outlines the environmental and archeological investigations required on the property before the project can proceed.
About 40 members of the Gabrieleno-Tongva Tribal Council held a candlelight vigil outside the council chambers before the meeting.
Tribal Council representatives said the city’s investigation requirements do not meet state regulations and called the report inadequate.
The council granted unanimous approval to the environmental report.
At its Oct. 20 meeting, the council will consider a development agreement for Hellman Ranch.
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