What the Coastal Commission’s decision means

* FOR THE DEVELOPERS:

Hearthside Homes officials are uncertain if they will be able to build

the project on 65acres, fearing that the density of homes is incompatible

with height restrictions.

Lucy Dunn, Hearthside’s executive vice president, said the project,

which included building homes on 183 acres on the mesa, already reflected

the development of 10% of Hearthside-owned land, with the rest slated for

conservation.

While Hearthside officials did not comment on their next step, options

could include lowering the plan’s density, selling off the parcel to

outside environmental groups, or even a possible lawsuit.

* FOR ENVIRONMENTALISTS:

Groups such as the Amigos de Bolsa Chica and Bolsa Chica Land Trust

see the decision as a major victory in the 30-year struggle to save the

wetlands and upland areas of the Bolsa Chica.

While the Amigos have focused primarily on wetland preservation, the

land trust has sought to save the entire mesa since 1992, including the

65 acres currently slated for development.

State and environmental officials are working to restore the wetlands

after years of oil production, duck hunting and planned development, and

Amigos president Linda Moon hopes the commission decision will make

Hearthside more open to the idea of selling the land to conservation

groups.

* ORANGE COUNTY:

The Board of Supervisors approved Hearthside’s plan to build on 183

acres three years ago, but now see themselves again reviewing the plan to

be sure it includes a proper balance with developed land, open space and

conservation areas.

Supervisor Jim Silva said he had reservations about the commission’s

decision because Hearthside’s original plan was seen as the proper

balance by the board and commission.

A court appeal sent the plan back to the commission for the most

recent decision.

Housing officials said there’s a 40,000 shortfall of residential units

in Orange County this year, and large developments like Hearthside’s are

imperative to meet that demand.