HUNTINGTON BEACH

Homeowners in the upscale community of Seacliff on the Green expect to reach a multimillion-dollar settlement within 30 days in their lawsuit against the Irvine-based Cayman Development Co., their attorney said. The suit alleges 104 homes in the 6000 block of Eaglecrest Drive suffered severe water leaks in their roofs, doors and windows during the extreme winter weather in 1996, court documents show. The suit was filed in December 1997.

Although settlement discussions are confidential, attorney Thomas E. Miller of Newport Beach estimates the award will reach about $14 million. Two other groups of homeowners Miller represented within the same planned community have settled with the same developer, he said. One group recovered $6.2 million in March 1997; the other won $4.7 million in August 1997, he said. Cayman representatives were unavailable for comment.