LAGUNA BEACH : Smithcliffs Project Gets Preliminary OK
A majority of the County Planning Commission on Tuesday gave preliminary approval for a new development on the coastal property known as Smithcliffs despite protests from environmentalists and area residents.
In a straw vote, three of the five commissioners said they favor the project, which includes plans for 26 homes on a 10-acre parcel. However, there was disagreement about which version of the project should be approved.
One plan includes a street near Laguna Beach homes at the south end of the property and the other plan does not. The commissioners will decide which version to adopt when they take a final vote on the project Nov. 7.
Environmentalists have opposed the development because it threatens a winter roosting spot of the monarch butterfly.
Commissioners C. Douglas Leavenworth, A. Earl Wooden and Thomas Moody voted to approve the project. Commission Chairman Stephen A. Nordeck opposed the development and Commissioner Roger D. Slates was not present for the straw vote.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
