Fullerton OKs E. Coyote Hills Tax District

Despite opposition from some residents, the Fullerton City Council this week approved a special tax to pay for streets repairs, storm drains and utility upgrades in and around the East Coyote Hills housing development.

The 350-acre project, which is already being built, will have about 300 houses priced from about $230,000 to more than $300,000, and an 18-hole public golf course. About 30 houses are already completed, and some homeowners have moved in.

Developer Unocal proposed an assessment district so that the cost of street improvements would not have to be added to the prices of future houses sold in the project. The city requires that infrastructure improvements be made before completion of each new development.

The assessment will total about $10,000 for each homeowner in East Coyote Hills over a period of several years.

The improvements covered by the new assessment include additional and upgraded storm drains and water mains, street widening and placing utilities underground on portions of Brea Boulevard, Bastanchury Road, State College Boulevard, Skyline and Ladera Vista drives and Acacia Avenue.

A number of residents attending Tuesday’s council meeting argued against the proposal, and they found a supporter in Councilman Chris Norby.

Norby cast the dissenting vote on the 4-1 decision after arguing that he sees no benefit to the city.

But other council members disagreed, saying that money raised through the special assessment will be used for improvements that will benefit the entire city.