IRVINE
The city’s takeover of more than 1,000 acres surrounding the Bonita Canyon Dam should be a milestone for Irvine and its historic 1988 Open Space Agreement with the Irvine Co.
Instead, the city may balk at the prospect of taking responsibility for the reservoir and the 18-acre parcel on which it sits. Maintenance costs could far outweigh the benefits of the wilderness area, city planners said.
“We’ve continued to work with the Irvine Co. to find other public agencies to take ownership, but we haven’t found a taker,” said Sheri Vander Dussen, director of community development.
The reservoir sits on one of four adjacent parcels the Irvine Co. is offering to the city under the agreement, which allows the company to develop some parts of the city in exchange for the dedication of specific open spaces.
The city is more than happy to accept the three other sites. But officials have been reluctant to assume ownership of the reservoir along the San Joaquin Toll Road and Bonita Canyon Drive.
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