YORBA LINDA

After a lengthy meeting Tuesday, the City Council approved, by a 3-2 vote, the final plans for a 2,179-home community and public golf course. Located in the city’s northwest hills adjacent to Chino Hills State Park, the 843-acre Vista del Verde project, formerly known as the Shell Master Planned Community, will raise $1.5 million annually for the city after it’s built.

Councilmen Mark Schwing and Henry Wedaa opposed the project, citing concerns about its density, which by completion may add 6,755 residents to the city of nearly 60,255--or a 9% increase in population.

Construction on the first village is scheduled for the spring, with the first homes selling in fall 2000, also the estimated opening for the project and city’s first public golf course. Additional homes will be constructed until completion in 20 to 25 years.

Also planned are a $6.5-million elementary school, two neighborhood parks, 10 miles of walking and equestrian trails, 73 acres of preserved wildlife habitat areas and citrus groves. In addition, about 1,000 acres were added to nearby Chino Hills State Park. The city will also gain more than $1.2 million in fees for the Orange County Fire Authority.