Commission delays vote on Bolsa Chica mesa development

Kenneth Ma

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- The decision on whether Hearthside Homes will be

allowed to build up to 1,235 homes on the mesa has been delayed to

November.

At its Aug. 9 meeting at the Waterfront Hilton, the California Coastal

Commission decided to postpone its final decision on the controversial

development to its meeting in Los Angeles.

The issue, which has been postponed several times already, was most

recently scheduled to be heard by the commission at its October meeting

in Oceanside. It was originally to be heard at an April meeting in Long

Beach.

Hearthside, formerly known as Koll Real Estate Group, has been trying

to build on the mesa since it acquired the land in 1970. The number of

homes that could be allowed on the land has been whittled down from 5,000

in 1985 to 1,235 on a proposed 183 acres in 2000. In November, the

Coastal Commission is expected to decide whether it wants to follow its

staff’s recommendation to limit the development to 65 acres.

In a room packed with more than 350 people -- most of whom were there

to protest development of the Bolsa Chica mesa -- the commissioners said

they needed more time to allow staff to discuss the project with

biologists from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Fish

and Game agency.

“We are very pleased [the commission] postponed [the vote],” said Evan

Henry, president of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. “They need the time, and

we respect that.’

The decision came after an emotional public comment session in which

speakers from several environmental organizations spoke in favor of

preserving the mesa from development. Crowds waving colored paper and

signs gave boisterous cheers after each presentation.

“We are going to be here until the last day of this issue,” said

Christopher Evans, executive director of the Surfrider Foundation.

Evans said his group is against development on the mesa because the

project creates more urban sprawl and may increase urban runoff.

Linda Moon, president of the Amigos de Bolsa Chica, said she realizes

the commission’s decision is complex and complicated.

“We want you to make a right decision and a good decision,” she said.

Lucy Dunn, Hearthside’s executive vice president, said she would have

preferred the state commission make the decision in October.

“But if [the commission’s staff] needs more time, I would give them

the benefit of the doubt on the postponement to November,” said Dunn, who

did not attend the meeting. Hearthside “would really like to see the

commission take action in November. It has been a very long process. It’s

time to make a decision.”