Seal Beach : Council Reschedules Wetland Project Vote

The Seal Beach City Council on Monday delayed a final decision on plans for a 355-home development on a portion of the old Hellman Ranch, the site of a former wetlands.

The council instead scheduled a special meeting for Saturday to consider a plan for the area by Newport Beach-based Mola Development Co.

Members of a local restoration society want development prohibited in parts of the site, north of Pacific Coast Highway and west of Seal Beach Boulevard, where they hope 100 acres of former wetlands will be restored.

In its proposal, Mola promises to restore 26 acres of degraded wetlands on the property and expand them to 36 acres. As part of the restoration, Mola will return tidal flow to the wetlands and replant native flora, making it again a viable habitat for local and migratory birds, the company has said.

However, the society disputes such claims, saying that the wetlands will be spurned by birds because of the close proximity of homes.

Councilwoman Joyce Risner asked the city staff to clarify parts of the plan before a Saturday vote.

Resident Bruce Stark, arguing against the project, told the council: “President Bush said we should make every effort to restore wetlands. We aren’t doing it here.”

Risner responded: “There are more wetlands in this Mola project than there has been in any other Mola development proposal. We have so many conditions that I don’t think we’ve missed one of your concerns.”

If the council approves the project, the plan would go to the state Coastal Commission, the final authority. The commission is scheduled to hear the proposal during the week of Nov. 13.

In 1988, the commission rejected Mola’s previous plan for 770 homes and a golf course on the property, because it infringed on six acres of wetlands.