Civic Groups Sponsor Forum on Resort Plan

Two of the city’s most powerful community groups, the South Laguna Civic Assn. and Village Laguna, are sponsoring a forum Saturday about plans to redevelop Treasure Island mobile home park into a $100-million coastline resort.

The two groups are fighting a proposal by Merrill Lynch, the landowner, to replace the empty trailer park with a 100-room hotel, 25 villas and 37 luxury home sites, worth $1 million each.

The South Laguna group has proposed building an arboretum and conference center on the seaside site. Village Laguna members said they oppose building private homes on the property.

The City Council could give final approval to the redevelopment plans as early as March 24.

City Manager Kenneth C. Frank is expected to speak, and members of the City Council may attend.

The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at Fred Lang Park on Coast Highway.

Information: (714) 499-3574.