Neighborhood meets on contentious development

Neighbors of four parcels to be developed on Ceanothus Drive in South Laguna will have a chance to meet the grading contractor for the project and learn about grading and staging plans at a meeting set for set for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday at the South Coast Water District offices, 31592 West Street. The meeting will give neighbors an opportunity to ask questions, make comments and air concerns to city staff and the contractor.

Neighbors already have voiced concerns about the potential damage to their homes and city streets during the grading of the lots, which contain a lot of stone.

Community Development Director John Montgomery told the council on Feb. 28 that the grading contractor for the Ceanothus lots has been asked for more detailed plans. Grading will not begin until the plan is reviewed and approved by staff, Montgomery said.

The city also has directed the person responsible for monitoring another large grading project on Mar Vista Ave. to monitor the Ceanothus projects.

“Our neighborhood will be under siege,” neighbor John Keith told the council.

Another resident, John Kiehlmeier, asked if the council could limit the hours of grading..

“They have an approved project,” Frank said. “They have the right to build and they have the right to grade.”