The path of the Village Entrance

Relocation of the maintenance yard, not specifically to ACT V, was

the recommendation of the Village Entrance Task Force eight years

ago. The task force wanted a clear space to construct a project that

would do the city proud.

The decision had broad support until ACT V was specified as the

location. But supporters said there is no other location large enough

to accommodate the yard.

Laguna Greenbelt Inc. opposed the move to ACT V based on

environmental concerns. Laguna Canyon Conservancy opposed it based on

the loss of peripheral parking, which will probably curtail tram

service, making ACT V less attractive to out-of-town visitors. Even

the Laguna Taxpayers Assn. originally opposed, wanting more

information on what services could be contracted.

One previous council approved the relocation. The next one vetoed

it.

The city held a Village Entrance design contest, which

specifically called for the Maintenance Yard to be included. The City

Council selected the winner, which proposed confining maintenance

activities to the ground floor of a parking structure, leaving room

for embellishments to the area.

“It was a wonderful plan,” said former Mayor Ann Christoph, a

member of Village Laguna and the South Laguna Civic Assn. “And it had

comprehensive community support.”

Subsequently, the council voted 3 to 2 in favor of relocating the

yard to ACT V, with the strongest support from Mayor Cheryl Kinsman

and Councilwoman Elizabeth Pearson, both of whom served on the

Village Entrance Task Force as members of the Planning Commission.

Iseman opposed the location even before she was elected six years

ago and has never changed her position.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the community to work out a

long-term solution,” Iseman said at the July 20 council meeting.

Former Planning Commissioner Doug Reilly thanked Iseman and

Councilman Wayne Baglin at the meeting for speaking on behalf of the

citizens opposed to the project.

“I thank the 21 art groups and the chamber that support the ACT V

project,” said Pearson, but he added that there is room for

compromise.

Pearson and Iseman are reportedly working on a compromise.

-- Barbara Diamond