Site Zoned to Permit Apartments

Over objections from residents, the City Council approved a zoning change Monday to accommodate development of a 230-unit apartment complex.

The 14-acre parcel on Los Alisos Boulevard, south of the Foothill Transportation Corridor, has been rezoned as heavy-density residential property; it was originally zoned as highway commercial property.

City staff said Monday that because of the growth of the Foothill Ranch shopping center, there is little potential for commercial development at the site.

Brad Morton, of the Committee for Integrity in Government, spoke against the development. “It doesn’t take much common sense to realize that these kind of units change the character not only of the neighborhood but of the community,” he said.

Councilman Lawrence H. Smith defended the project, saying, “This is not going to change our character. We’re providing good, quality housing for a broad section of the residents in our community.”

If additional building plans are approved, construction could begin in about six months, said Clint Sherrod, community development director.