City Seeks Input on Impact of DWP Property Housing Project

Community members with concerns about plans to build a 48-home development on the Seal Beach’s remaining coastal open space will have their chance today to talk about those concerns at a city scoping meeting.

The meeting is designed to give residents an opportunity to inform city officials about concerns such as the project’s traffic impact or affect on the coastal wildlife. Those concerns will then be addressed in the city’s Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project.

The 10.7-acre project at the corner of Marina Drive and First Street – known as the DWP property - will be examined for potential impacts in areas such aesthetics, air quality and green house gas emissions, cultural and biological resources, geology, hydrology and water quality, noise, traffic, population, utilities, recreation and public services.

According to the city’s consultant, the project is likely to have a significant impact upon the “scenic vista” and nighttime views. The consultan'ts report also indicates the project’s potential for a significant impact upon air quality, wildlife habitat, noise, traffic, cultural or archaeological resources, public services, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Portions or the property would also have to be rezoned from open space to residential, according to the city’s environmental checklist.

Plans for the project call for 48-homes and about 6.5 acres of open space. The proposed project is the result of a lawsuit settlement agreement between the city and the property’s owners, Bay City Partners. The project has yet to go before the Planning Commission, City Council and California Coastal Commission for final approval.

Tonight’s scooping meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 211 8th Street.