City reopens comments for Banning Ranch

Public comment will be open again concerning the Banning Ranch development’s environmental impact report (EIR).

Those who wish to speak about the Newport Beach project can do so during the Planning Commission’s May 17 meeting.

City attorneys reviewed concerns that there wasn’t ample time or notice to comment on the EIR, determining that the city was in compliance of open-meeting laws, said Newport Beach city spokeswoman Tara Finnigan.

The city chose to allow EIR-related comments again because of ample interest from the public.

“We … take public comment and public perception about this and other matters that the city handles very seriously,” Finnigan said.

She added the city isn’t required by law to provide another comment opportunity.

The Planning Commission will make recommendations on the project before it goes to the City Council.

Several people spoke at the commission’s April 19 meeting either in broad support or disapproval of the plan that would put 1,375 homes on 401 acres of former oil fields.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30