By Connie Lee and Mickey MacDonald

The council discussed in closed session a potential project at 28715-28841 Los Alisos Blvd., which is near Palmia. Councilwoman Gail Reavis recused herself from the discussion, saying she lives within 264 feet of the site. Indications point to the city’s potential purchase of 3.4 acres to build 154 affordable apartments. Reavis made public comments as a homeowner objecting to more housing near the former Kmart site.

Councilman John Paul Ledesma revived the joint-use gymnasium discussion by placing it on the agenda and then removing it. Seven public speakers supporting the gym admonished him for the reversal. Among them was Barbara Casserly, who said, “You have to work with the school district.” Ledesma read a portion of an email from CUSD Supt. James Fleming, stating a bond issue could address the need for school facilities.

Most of those in the audience were focused on Steadfast’s project at Los Alisos and Jeronimo involving 144 townhomes and a Target store on the 23-acre parcel next to Unisys. More than 30 public speakers addressed the council, with most opposing the project. Apparently to counter a rumor the Target store will never be built, a Target spokesman indicated the store will open by October 2006.

Speakers supporting Steadfast’s project talked about the Target store and the need for affordable housing. The Jeronimo Plaza owner said his center would benefit from more customers. Audience members recall Steadfast stating at a planning commission meeting that “more than 100 business owners” in the retail centers nearby had signed letters supporting the project. However, the three retail centers nearby contain fewer than 50 businesses in total. Following is a sampling from public comments in opposition to the project.

Jim Woodin: “Why would the city rezone a parcel if the project is not in the best interest of the public?” He added that the terms of the contract haven’t been revealed.

Jim Bentley: “You know the vast majority of residents don’t support this project. You’re not considering what residents want, and I’ll be there in the next election with treasure, time and money” to change things.

Paula Steinhauer: “You’re doing the football equivalent of Wrong Way Corrigan” by supporting the project. She added “Someone has to pay for below-market housing, and it only pushes up the price for everyone else.”

Dale Sandore: “These affordable housing projects are an abomination. The more the government is involved in the free market system, the more they distort it.”

Matt Corrigan: “The compelling issue is that there are no compelling reasons to rezone this property from commercial to residential or mixed use. In the past, a diligent council and planning commission have prevented this Burbank-style plan with high-density and low income or no income.”

Dale Tyler: “This project is a loser for the city, the residents as a whole and the neighbors of this project.”

Allan Pilger: “We know this project is going through, and it’s just a question of how you will satisfy all the outside interests. I hope it doesn’t set a precedent.”

Beverly Cruse asked questions, including, “Who on this council has accepted campaign donations from the developer and how much?”

Alisos Villas HOA President Kathy Miramontes described the overwhelming problems of too many people and too many cars in nearby projects. She reminded council members of their campaign promises.

Connie Lee brought petition signatures of more than 2,800 people who oppose any zone change to residential, adding, “No one on the dais is paying attention.”

Carl Schulthess compared Steadfast’s project with the defeated El Toro airport, saying it was developers against residents and homeowners. He surveyed his neighbors, and they all oppose Steadfast’s project.

Tina Neukirch: “The council needs to protect the interests of existing Mission Viejo residents.” She added that the “right” of affordable housing makes someone else pay, which denies the rights of others.

The council voted 5-0 in favor of the project. Councilman Ury began his comments by discussing the details of the project. Council Members Lance MacLean and Trish Kelley commented by advocating for the developer instead of discussing pros and cons or addressing residents’ questions.

As part of the agreement, Reavis, Ledesma and Kelley on a 3-2 vote favored the removal of an in-lieu fee. The vote eliminated Steadfast’s loophole to avoid building affordable units. As a result of the vote, the project will include 22 one-bedroom affordable units.