Bixby Ranch Development Proposal Raises Concerns From Neighbors

In a City Council open forum designed to air out concerns over Bixby Ranch Co.’s commercial development plans, residents told council members this week that they won’t support any project that jeopardizes the value of their homes.

The City Council and City Manager Keith Till listened to residents--primarily from the College Park East district--voice their concerns about Bixby’s plans.

The majority of the speakers in an audience of about 200 people said they were against any development that would change the character of the neighborhood, which is north of the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station and east of the Bixby property.

Bixby Ranch recently has put about 23 acres of the property, zoned for commercial use, up for sale. About seven of those acres are next to College Park East. Only oil company Atlantic Richfield has applied to build on the property, proposing to construct a gas service station and a minimarket. But because of zoning restrictions, the city cannot consider the proposal, officials said.

However, Marriott Corp. reportedly is interested in building a senior citizens care facility, and a national business travelers’ hotel group also has shown interest in building on the property. This has prompted speculation by residents that city officials have begun dealing with the groups, which city leaders deny.

Some residents spoke as if the city had already approved development and threatened to initiate a recall campaign against Councilwoman Patty Campbell, who represents that district.

But city officials called the threat premature and unfounded because the city has not made any decisions on development proposals.