From OC Register ( http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/county-44122-association-residents.html ).
2009-09-27 00:00:00
NORTH TUSTIN A senior living community planned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange for the vacant lot on Newport Avenue north of 17th Street has neighbors petitioning to stop it.
The county is exploring residents' worries about noise, parking and traffic, and considering other options like single-family homes or a church and school. The findings will be released in late October.
The Foothill Communities Association has voiced its opposition to The Springs at Bethsaida and is circulating a petition to North Tustin residents. Members hope the petition will persuade the Board of Supervisors to vote against the project, on Newport Avenue between Castlegate and La Loma.
The group has about 500 signed petitions so far and will send them to Supervisor Bill Campbell, according to Rick Nelson, president of the Foothill Communities Association.
The two-story facility would have 153 units, with 79 for independent living and 55 for assisted living. The largest building, in the center of the property, would be two stories above ground with a basement. Nineteen one- and two-bedroom bungalow homes with detached garages would surround the main building, and 164 parking spaces are planned.
The petitioners oppose changing the zoning to allow for multi-family residential properties. The 7.25-acre lot is zoned for single-family homes.
Changing the zoning, say members of the Foothill Communities Association, would violate the North Tustin Specific Plan, a 1983 agreement between residents and the county Board of Supervisors determining zoning in the area. The association's letter also says the project would be incompatible with the surrounding neighborhoods.
A survey by the Foothill Communities Association showed that of the 20 properties bordering the Diocese's land, 16 residents are opposed, three are undecided and one is in favor of the new development.
Once the draft environmental report is finished, residents can again voice concerns for the county to consider. Public hearings will be held at the North Tustin Advisory Committee, the Orange County Planning Commission and the county Board of Supervisors.
Information: rcboseniorliving.com or www.fcahome.org