Panel Looks Anew at Big Housing Plan

The city of Orange’s Planning Commission once again listened for hours Monday to arguments for and against a 1,746-dwelling Irvine Co. project on 494 acres in East Orange. The project would be the first phase of a controversial plan to bring more than 12,000 homes to the base of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Additional measures to soften environmental effects were presented, sparking renewed debate.

Nestled between two regional parks, the site discussed Monday night is a triangular tract roughly bordered by Jamboree Road, Irvine Regional Park and the Eastern Transportation Corridor.

Some residents have complained that the development is out of character with the semirural area. An array of experts and activists also have said it could harm the environment.

Situated near an equestrian community and the county’s oldest grove of live-oak trees, the proposed project was first included in a general plan adopted by the city in 1989. Now the developer is seeking approvals to begin building, possibly in less than a year.

Some of the local opposition has abated because of Irvine Co. concessions, including agreeing to the city’s request to reduce the height of a proposed three-story housing complex and to relocate other buildings that would overshadow the regional park.

The developer has also agreed to allow the city to eliminate a 25-acre commercial center, cap the number of dwellings at a maximum of 1,746, pay the city up to $3 million in recreation fees, and provide up to $17.8 million in a school construction loan to Orange Unified School District. The loan would be repaid by new homeowners.

Opponents, however, worry that cumulative effects of the entire project are being glossed over in the process, especially since environmental impact studies will not be completed until spring at the earliest.

At a public hearing Sept. 7, Orange planning commissioners delayed their verdict on proposed Santiago Hills Phase II housing after listening to five hours of public testimony, including support by the East Orange Neighborhood Committee, formerly a strong critic of the project.

Residents from Cowan Heights, just south of the area, complained that they were never notified of the proposal and had asked for a delay.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Developing East Orange

Santiago Hills Phase II* 494 acres for up to 1,746 dwellings.

* includes 124 acres for parks and open space and 10 acres for schools.

Sources: Irvine Co., East Orange general plan