Coastal Panel Rejects Project
Echoing the objections of environmentalists, state coastal commissioners have refused to grant a construction permit to developers of a proposed 119-unit housing tract that borders a prehistoric sand dune known locally as West Bluffs.
Citing the potential loss of habitat and alteration of natural landscape, the commission voted unanimously to deny the permit sought by Catellus Residential Group. Tuesday’s decision, which surprised developers and environmentalists, contradicted a recommendation from the commission’s staff.
On Thursday, a Catellus spokesman said the decision would not prevent the company from building the residential units because they would be on land outside the coastal commission’s jurisdiction.
Of the project’s total 32 acres, only 12 fall within that zone.
“We’re definitely going forward,” said Peter Lauener, a company vice president. “There’s always the option of just not doing any work in the coastal zone.”
Environmentalists hailed the decision as a sea change in the commission’s view of coastal projects. Ellen Stern Harris, a charter commission appointee, said she believes the commission has not previously protected coastal properties in Southern California.
“We certainly hope this is a sign of better things to come,” she said.
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