Community Commentary -- SUSAN LOVIC

The opponents of the Home Ranch project have had more input than any

other group.

First, they don’t want high-rises lining the freeway, so now what is

being proposed are two- to four-story corporate headquarters buildings.

Second, the opposition doesn’t want rental housing and apartments, so

now only owner-occupied, single-family attached and detached homes are in

the plan.

Third, the project opponents want traffic improvements, so the project

will pay $8.46 million in improvements up front, including the widening

of the Fairview Road bridge.

Fourth, the opponents don’t want the residents on the south side of

the San Diego Freeway to see all the development, so the project provides

artist renderings and view simulations to show residents that they will

not be able to see Home Ranch.

Fifth, the opponents say they want the community to get something from

this project, so the project now calls for a $2-million endowment to a

middle school and two high schools.

Sixth, the opponents don’t like the color of the proposed Ikea, so

Ikea will soften its colors by nearly 70%.

Seventh, the opponents don’t want more northbound traffic on Fairview,

so the project includes a new offramp at Susan Street.

Eighth, the opponents raise concerns about a turn in the economy and

not receiving the promised benefits from Home Ranch, so the project now

requires a $5-million sales tax guarantee to the city.

Ninth, the opposition to Home Ranch is worried about its effects on

public safety, so the project developer commits to $500,000 in fees to

meet increased demand for fire and emergency medical services and the

dedication of 30,000-square-feet of land to be made available for a fire

station should one be needed on Home Ranch or in the nearby vicinity.

Tenth, the opposition doesn’t want 24-hour delivery trucks at Ikea, so

Ikea has agreed to no more than seven product truck deliveries a day

during non-rush-hour hours.

How much more input do we need?

I think this is enough; what more could we want? Seems to me like we

are getting an awful lot. I for one would like to thank the Home Ranch

opponents for making sure this is a great project.

* SUSAN LOVIC is a Costa Mesa resident.