Mar Vista appeal to be considered

Opponents of the “Mar Vista” project have executed a successful end run around the city and scored a victory with the California Coastal Commission.

The commission instructed staff members at its May meeting to prepare a full public hearing on the validity of an appeal of the project. Commission staff is aiming for the June 14 to 16 meeting.

The city has issued a coastal development permit among other approvals of the project.

“City staff still takes the position that the project is not appealable,” Development Department Director John Montgomery said.

The commission’s decision came after staff members reviewed the project’s water-quality management plan, which had been questioned by South Laguna resident Devora Hertz at the commission’s April meeting.

Based on public comments and the inclusion of a vegetated buffer strip in the plan, the commission asked staff for more information.

Among the issues the staff members will be looking at are: