Sunrise Introduces Plans
Staff editorial

Mission Viejo residents received a letter and color brochure from Sunrise Senior Living regarding two open-house events on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4 at the Lake Mission Viejo Clubhouse. Those who attended the Oct. 2 event saw drawings of what “could be” an assisted-living facility and a community park. If plans move forward, Sunrise says it will build a 300-unit center on what is currently Casta del Sol Golf Course. The facility would be located off Casta del Sol Drive, to the northwest of Casta’s Gate No. 1.

Those who tried to attend the Oct. 4 open house said it was called off. One resident who arrived at the clubhouse said an employee was in the parking lot, telling people it was canceled. The resident reported to the blog, “The employee stated the room wasn’t available, which I don’t believe. There are other meeting rooms at the lake. I think Sunrise and the consultants got tired of everyone telling them off, so they pulled the plug on the second meeting.”

Many residents asked why Sunrise would even consider building in such an inappropriate spot as the golf course. The plans made no sense to residents who attended on Oct. 2. Sunrise allegedly would purchase the 64-acre parcel and then – being able to use only 10 acres – donate the remainder to the city. About the only time a developer gives anything away is when he’s either been told he has only a few months to live or the property is under water.

One thing is obvious: the project wouldn't benefit Mission Viejo residents unless a fortune in tax dollars propped it up. Additionally, the modest facility as presented would negatively impact Casta del Sol residents, and traffic from “only” 300 units would clog Casta Drive. No consultant during the open house answered questions about what type of development might result along the entire property line Casta shares with the golf course. Homeowners who reside outside Casta also said they want no residential development on the golf course.

The following comments were made during the open house on Oct 2. No positive remarks were heard from any resident who attended the event.

“The consultants were standing around and asking if people had any questions, but the consultants didn’t have answers. Either they didn’t know much about the project or they weren’t supposed to give information for fear of upsetting everyone.”

“I asked the architect, and he said the property is in escrow. Then I asked another of the consultants who said Sunrise only made an offer to buy. The second consultant said the golf course owner received three offers, and Sunrise was the only viable one.”

A resident who talked to a councilwoman who attended heard the councilwoman say the project would need three votes from the council to get approval. The resident asked her, “Is your vote for sale?”

“Why can’t the city either buy the property or partner with the golf course owner to make it a municipal course? With such a large piece of real estate and only 10 buildable acres, most of it is supposedly going to become a city-owned park. Mission Viejo already has more than 40 parks, and I’ve heard the city doesn’t want it.”

“This is already tainted. Look at the people involved. Roger Faubel is the P.R. consultant, and he’s already donated to council members’ campaign treasuries. The only council member I know of who hasn’t accepted Faubel's money is John Paul Ledesma.”

“Mission Viejo has enough nursing homes and senior living facilities. With all the large ones around town, plus homeowners turning their homes into care centers, Mission Viejo is becoming a city of old folks.”

“If Sunrise wants to expand, why doesn’t it build near its existing complex on Oso? The current council has already rezoned six properties – in the face of overwhelming objections from residents. Why doesn’t Sunrise build on the rezoned parcel on Oso?”

“The presentation during the open house didn’t add up. What they were saying doesn’t make sense as a design, as a financial plan or anything else.”