Coastal Commission approves 111 more houses for Bolsa Chica

I am disappointed to have to report that the Coastal Commission approved the plan by Shea Homes for 111 more houses in the Upper Bolsa Chica Wetlands along Graham.  Commissioner Sanchez and Wickett voted no. 

Commissioner Sanchez spoke eloquently about the lack of analysis of cumulative impacts, as well as the fact that the flood control feature included in the plans violates the LCP and Coastal Act.

 I found it ironic that the spokesman for Shea played up the fact that the wetlands on the property have increased from 1 acre when the Huntington Beach City Council approved the project (4-3) in 2002, to the 13 acres today. Folks, Shea did not do this out of the goodness of its heart, Shea did this because of the members of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. The Land Trust and the analysis by the Bixbys in particular, provided evidence of additional wetlands on the site. The actions of the BCLT reduced this project size by one third, and that is something I am very proud of.