FULLERTON – A much-anticipated report analyzing the impact of building 760 homes on the city's largest remaining expanse of undeveloped land was released Monday, signaling the start of the review process on a project 25 years in the making.
The report shows the 510- acre West Coyote Hills project would require heavy grading, could add more than 9,000 daily car trips to local roads and would add almost 400 students to local schools.
But the project is scaled back from earlier plans, leaving 280 acres - more than half the land - as natural open space. Most impacts could be reduced to "less than significant," the report indicates.
The release of the report marks the beginning of a 45- day public review period. Plans are expected to go to the City Council by January.
"I think what we were able to create is a very balanced plan that provides access to open space, key (views) and homes for the people who want to buy them," said Don Means, the project's manager.
Residents in a group long opposed to developing Coyote Hills say they will study the 500-plus page report in detail.
West Coyote Hills, which stretches almost two miles from Euclid Street west to Buena Park and north to La Habra, has generated widespread community interest for its natural beauty and because it serves as a buffer between a series of neighborhoods.
Chevron drilled the land for oil during much of the 20th century, and received approvals in 1977 to build up to 1,169 houses on 361 acres. But after a change of company ownership and economic obstacles, the land remained undeveloped.
Now Pacific Coast Homes, the development arm of Chevron, is seeking new approvals.
It is asking for 760 homes clustered on 179 acres. The plan also calls for eight miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians, five "view parks" on the land's highest points and a 17-acre sports park.
The current plans were submitted after more than 50 meetings with residents, school officials, business owners and others interested in the future of the property.
Strong opposition remains.
"We know the clock is ticking if we want to save the land," said Angela Lindstrom, co-chairwoman of the 2,500- member Friends of Coyote Hills, which is seeking to keep the land undeveloped.
The group has hired an attorney and plans to enlist a biologist and a traffic expert to respond to the report.
Residents have said they fear the project will choke nearby streets with traffic and add more students to already crowded schools.
The report indicates the new homes would add up to 9,308 car trips a day to the area - 1,734 during peak traffic hours. The traffic study was based on building up to 830 homes, so actual numbers could be less.
The report suggests the developer should pay a fair share of costs to improve eight area intersections to accommodate more traffic.
The report states that the project would not dramatically affect local schools. It is expected to generate up to 397 students in kindergarten through grade 12.
But that impact could be offset through developer fees. And a 17-acre site on the property could be used for a school.
Still, many residents are worried about any development in West Coyote Hills.
Friends of Coyote Hills holds monthly walks on the trails surrounding the property, hoping to gain support. The group is also urging city officials to look for funding to preserve the land as open space.
Chevron officials said nobody has approached them with an offer to buy the land. So they are proceeding with development plans.
"We are also hearing from many people who want to know when there will be homes up there. ... They want to buy," Means said.
The project would include 577 houses and up to 183 attached units, such as town homes.
Prices are not yet known, but if similar are developments are an indication, they would start in the $300,000s and range up to $1 million and more for estate homes.
The report's review period ends Nov. 13. The Planning Commission - and later the City Council - will then consider the plan.
If approved, model homes could be built by fall 2005.
