THE FRED COLUMN -- fred martin

Along with “military intelligence” and “UCLA football,” one of the more

laughable oxymorons in today’s vernacular is “responsible developer.”

However, to my utter astonishment, I may well have uncovered one of such

a species. He’s Mike Freed of Resort Design Group, a.k.a. Crystal Cove

Preservation Partners.

Mike takes considerable issue with some of the information about the

proposed development of Crystal Cove State Park that I received from the

Sierra Club and other sources.

The situation is this: The state parks service doesn’t have the money to

maintain its properties, including Crystal Cove. The cottages there are

on the National Register of Historic Places, and as such must be restored

(or torn down). They could also use a working sewer/septic system, but

that’s another column.

Since the state Department of Parks and Recreation doesn’t have the money

to bring Crystal Cove up to code, it sought a concessionaire. Publicly,

but quietly, the department issued a request for proposals, as required

under California law. Mike Freed’s group came, saw and conquered.

What it proposes to do at Crystal Cove is an expansion worth about $25

million -- all private money. But it is hardly the posh, sequestered

seaside resort implied by the Sierra Club, et al.

By far the most important factor in the dispute is public access to one

of the most beautiful beaches in the state. The naysayers claim it will

be severely restricted. Freed’s development group insists it will be

increased.

Says Freed, in writing: “The entire beachfront area -- interpretive

center, dive facility, art center, two public restrooms [plus other new

amenities] -- shall all be open to the public.” The resort cottages, a

new saltwater swimming pool and new parking will be off-limits, except

for registered guests.

This is certainly less exclusive than how the Cove has operated for

generations, with beachfront cottages leased from the state at what

amount to taxpayer-subsidized rental charges ($500 to $1,000 per month).

True, they’re basically shacks, but that’s still cheap.

Much has been made of turning the cottages into “$700-a-night hotel

suites.” In fact, they will be completely overhauled and rent in the

range of $125 to $400 per night. By oceanfront resort standards, that’s

almost a bargain, especially with real plumbing.

As important as what is done to Crystal Cove is how it will be done.

Freed talks about his group’s “environmental consciousness” and “a

minimization of human impact on nature” and Crystal Cove becoming “a

model for responsible development.”

Know what? He has the credentials. One is a nature-based luxury resort in

Fiji, developed in partnership with the late Jacques Cousteau and his

son, Jean-Michel -- definitely world-class environmentalists.

Closer to home is the Post Ranch in Big Sur, a stunning seaside escape

with sod-roof cottages dug into the hillside. Other rooms are on stilts

among the redwoods. Only one tree was removed during construction.

Freed promises the same care and affection for nature will follow at

Crystal Cove, if its rebirth is approved.

But he’s in for a fight, and he knows it.

Wisely, Freed has kept several local environmental groups involved in the

planning process. These include Friends of the Irvine Coast, Dolphin

Watch, Surfriders, Laguna Greenbelt, Village Laguna and Friends of

Harbors, Beaches and Parks. They don’t necessarily endorse the proposal,

but they know exactly what it is.

In opposition are the Sierra Club’s Angeles Chapter, an offshoot called

Save Crystal Cove and Coastkeepers, among others.

His adversaries, Freed says, distort his plan by quoting “what may be

allowed under the concession contract, without referencing what [the

developer] is, in fact, proposing -- one of the most grossly inaccurate

allegations is that [we are] owned by The Irvine Company.”

Indeed, Freed’s company is opposing Irvine’s residential development on

the hillside across from Crystal Cove.

Public hearings on the future of Crystal Cove are six to nine months

away, Freed says, followed by the inevitable Coastal Commission hearing.

That’s plenty of time for all the players to get together and launch a

search for the truth. Some genuine facts and a little understanding could

go a long way here.

* FRED MARTIN is a former Newport Beach resident who now writes from his

home in Fort Collins, Colo. His column appears on Wednesdays.