How different is this new plan from the 1989 plan?
The 1989 East Orange General Plan envisions a high-density urban development. It allows for the construction of more than 12,000 homes and eight million square feet of retail and commercial space. The new land use plan proposed by The Irvine Company reduces the development area from 7,100 acres to 2,100 and the number of homes to fewer than 4,000. It also eliminates all commercial and retail uses, while setting aside more than 5,000 acres of open space.
Where is this area of the Irvine Ranch located?
The 7,100-acre property is nestled between the foothills of the Cleveland National Forest, Irvine Regional Park and Peter's Canyon. Santiago Hills II is located east of Jamboree and west of the toll road SR 241. Area's I & II are located north of Santiago Canyon Road and east of the toll road. Area III is south of Santiago Canyon Road, near Limestone Canyon.
How many acres of open space will be preserved?
More than 20,000 acres of parkland and open space is permanently protected from development within the Orange sphere of influence. This giant swath of valuable habitat and stunning vistas is larger than the city itself and goes a long way towards preserving the areas rural ambiance. Within the project area itself, more than 90 percent of the 7,100-acre East Orange General Plan area will be open space.
Will the public have access to this open space?
The Nature Conservancy, which manages most of the open space, has created more than 50 miles of guided hiking, biking and equestrian trails within the East Orange area of the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve for public enjoyment. If you would like more information on these adventures, please visit www.irvineranchlandreserve.com.
What recreational activities will be available in this new plan?
The proposal for the new communities east of Orange includes abundant parks and trails that offer potential for a variety of public recreational activities. In addition to new trails and improved access to stunning wilderness areas, The Irvine Company has set aside a 20-acre site for a much-needed sports park. Also under consideration are equestrian trails, a public golf course and recreational activities at Irvine Lake.
What kind of residential development is proposed?
Intimate residential communities in a rural setting will be surrounded by the great outdoors with trails and pathways and native landscapes. Four separate and distinct neighborhoods are envisioned. Santiago Hills II, approved by the City Council in October 2000, will be 1,746 home community on 494 areas. Area I will include approximately 1,000 homes on the bluff top near Irvine Regional Park. Area II, overlooking Irvine Lake, will feature approximately 1,200 homes with spectacular views of the ridgelines and mountains of East Orange. There will be no more than 50 homes in Area III, located in Limestone Meadow. The architecture in all the areas will reflect the eclectic character of historic homes in Orange, which include Spanish, Monterey, cottage and craftsman influences.
Where will the students generated by these new homes attend school?
The significant reduction in homes planned for the Irvine Ranch east of Orange has also reduced the number of students generated by the new community. Using the Orange Unified School District formula for the typical number of students per household, it is anticipated all four new neighborhoods will generate approximately 1,450 students over a ten-year period. The breakout is as follows:
- 900 K-6 elementary students
- 175 7-8 middle school students
- 350 9-12 high school students
The Irvine Company is committed to mitigating any demands generated by this project. A new K-6 school in Santiago Hills II, and major contributions to expand and renovate El Modena High School and Santiago Middle School are included in the new plan.
The number of high school students generated does not support a new comprehensive high school. However, if the Orange Unified School District completes its Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan and would like to consider a site in the East Orange area, the company has identified a potential high school site in Area I for it to purchase.
Who will pay for the extra students and the school facilities to accommodate those students?
A Community Facilities District will fund the proposed elementary school with assessments based on property values in the new East Orange neighborhoods. The Irvine Company will work with the school district on a funding mechanism for temporary classrooms at Chapman Hills Elementary School. The company will refurbish and modernize Santiago Middle School facilities. It also will contribute $7 million to expand and modernize El Modena High School accommodate extra students. A 40-acre site also will be set aside for purchase by the school district for possible construction of a new high school.
How will the project affect traffic in the area?
Original traffic projections will decrease by more than 80 percent under the new plan for east of Orange. The reduction in residential development and elimination of commercial uses reduces the average traffic estimate from nearly 348,000 to approximately 50,000 trips each day. Earlier proposals for 14 new arterial highways throughout the Orange sphere of influence, along with the extension and widening of four existing arterials, are being considered for deletion.
Who will prepare the Environmental Impact Report?
Following filing of the plan with the City in April 2003, the City will issue a Notice of Preparation to initiate a year-long Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process, which will include the preparation of a Draft EIR by a city-appointed consultant. After the Draft EIR has been completed, the City will circulate the document for public review and comment. After the city responds to public comments, the DEIR will be reviewed in public meetings before the planning commission and city council. |
