Planning Commission Update –

August 16, 2018

In front of a crowd of hundreds of Irvine residents, the Planning Commission took two actions on major development proposals in the City of Irvine.

First, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended denial of an application within the Village of Woodbridge to add building intensity to an existing medical office building. This proposal has been mired in controversy for years within the City.

There were 11 speakers and the City received over 600 pieces of correspondence regarding the proposal. Over 100 people were in attendance to watch the proceedings including the president of the Woodbridge Village Association, Barry Katz.

In unanimously recommending the denial of the project and in taking the unprecedented step to add language to the resolution that the Planning Commission "strongly and unanimously recommends denial," the Commission was unequivocal in its stance.

Commissioner Dustin Nirschl, appointed by Councilwoman Melissa Fox, Irvine City Councilmember, stated that Irvine "Villages are not just measurements, it's a feeling."

Planning Commissioner Anthony Kuo, appointed by Mayor Donald P. Wagner, stated "this is about the 'Woodbridge Way of Life' and this Village is done. We don't need any added intensity."

Commissioner Kuo also agendized an item to speak to the proposed acquisition and redevelopment of the Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course.

Approximately 200 residents were in attendance for this item and the Commission reached another unanimous decision to oppose redevelopment of the site.

The crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation after Kuo made the following motion, "that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that the Council reaffirm the General Plan and Zoning Code designations applicable to the Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course."

Both items will move on to the City Council for further action.