Town Hall Meeting, May 9,2006
Staff editorial

Approximately 75 people attended the Town Hall meeting on Mon., May 8. Council members sat at a long table with the assistant city attorney next to them. Audience members who wanted to ask a question were recognized by Mayor Lance MacLean, and each council member had a chance to respond to all questions. Residents could ask a question but not engage in conversation with the council.

The audience had not come to praise the council. However, the tone was polite. Many of the questions were with regard to affordable housing issues. Residents asked why the council had rezoned two commercial parcels to residential and why other means of attaining affordable housing goals had not been pursued. Councilman John Paul Ledesma expressed anger that the city had been sued, saying he would like to counter-sue.

One resident asked if Mission Viejo had considered joining with other cities in fighting off the state’s housing goals. In summary, nothing has been tried except to put a small percentage of affordable units into two condo projects in areas that were formerly zoned for commercial use. Another resident suggested the council erred by rezoning the commercial property. Beyond residents’ opposition to the project, it provided grounds for the lawsuit against the city. No direct answers were given to several questions, and MacLean instead asked the city’s legal counsel to respond. The attorney’s responses were usually general and without reference to case law.

If the sentiment of those attending the meeting is widespread, the council appears to be out of step with the community regarding affordable housing, traffic, slope maintenance and several other issues.

A resident asked if the city would consider condemning the Irvine City Council’s action of “hijacking” the Great Park. MacLean answered it would not, and he defended the Irvine council’s position. Councilman Frank Ury appeared to agree with MacLean.

An audience member asked about building bathrooms in neighborhood parks, and she objected to any plan for a bathroom at O’Neill Park. She seemed to be referring to sexual predators who hang out in public restrooms, saying problems could be avoided if no bathrooms were built. Various council members attempted to explain why the city is considering bathroom facilities at parks, particularly since only one park had been the focus of a request.

Another resident said the city needs long-term planning. Several council members made reference to the city’s General Plan and the master financial plan, which require periodic updates, saying the planning takes place at regular intervals.

A council candidate, Diane Greenwood, sat on the front row and began talking about Southern California Edison’s power lines before stating she wants Mission Viejo to have a downtown area so she can have dinner at a restaurant in a downtown environment. She identified the retail center at LaPaz and Marguerite Parkway as her choice for a downtown. Several council members explained that the retail center is owned by numerous parties, and such a project would probably involve use of eminent domain.

A resident asked if the city would consider taking a stand against illegal immigration. Several council members said it was a matter for the federal government to handle.

The meeting began at 6 p.m. and ended at 7:30. MacLean reported that the audience had asked 18 questions.