Wow. Just WOW. I’m a little speechless. So while I overcome my shock and catch my breath, read this:
The Planning Commission approved Wednesday night the Irvine Co.’s request to subdivide 785 acres east of Irvine Lake for nearly 1,200 new homes.
The project, part of the developer’s larger plan to add nearly 4,000 homes, could be located on the north side of Santiago Canyon Road on the eastern edge of the city.
The commission approved a tract map that will allow the developer to divide the property into 604 numbered and 198 lettered lots. The plans also include landscaping, trails, widening of Santiago Canyon Road, controlled access gates, fuel modification areas and open space.
Environmentalists and residents in East Orange and the canyon areas have long opposed the project, which they say will increase traffic congestion, hamper city resources and damage the natural environment.
OK, I’m breathing again. I feel better.
But still, McMansions just east of Irvine Lake… Is the City of Orange serious about it? What do you think? Do you think there’s a way this area can benefit from residential development? Or is this another boneheaded move to pave one of the few patches of pristine paradise left in this county overrun by sprawl?
I want to hear what you have to say about this proposed new development by Irvine Lake. Can we handle any more? What are we doing to our local environment? Is Orange really prepared for the increased demand for services (like police, fire, schools, etc.)? And what are the Orange planning commissioners thinking?
Go ahead and have your say.
wasn’t this area in the middle of the fire zone?
Dan-
Good point. What the heck is Orange thinking? Why build MORE homes in the midst of a hazardous fire zone? I guess it’s still difficult for me to comprehend why Orange is doing this.
Fire zone? Yes, but how about the fact that they can’t sell the houses they’ve already built and are already planning to build? It’s just ridiculous.
The flip side of the whole fire issue is where does the water come from this project would necessitate? The discussion has gone from the potential rationing of water to more folks filling their pools and washing their cars. As mentioned, what is Orange thinking?
The NNL Natural Nature Landmark status is a sham that can be revoked simply at the owners request. The Irvine company is a developer.
They should have the common scense to know that they are wrong in developing the center of the reserve. They have a better plan.
First the mitigation (revokeable). Second HUGE TAX WRITE OFF.
Third develop and sell of the center of the pie at huge profits.
Fourth more of the same!!
SNAKES