Over 120 homeowners and parents spoke out Thursday night at a City of Aliso Viejo workshop, against a proposal that would turn a vacant commercial lot into a zone for high-density housing. The lot at 4 Orion near Aliso Viejo Christian School is the smaller of two being considered by the city for zoning that would allow 30-50 units per acre of apartments. The second space is at 2C Liberty,” according to the Aliso Viejo Patch.
The demand for these high density units is being driven by Regional Housing Needs Assessment Standards pertaining to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
It is going to be tough for the people of Aliso Viejo to stop this rezoning. And they’re City Council appears to be MIA, except for Councilman Ross Chun, who was the only member of the council to attend the meeting. Mayor Carmen Cave left after a brief introduction, according to the Aliso Viejo Patch, citing possible violations of state law if her opinion were prejudiced by the workshop. She did not say what state law she might be breaking.
Cave also incorrectly informed the community, during the last Aliso Viejo City Council meeting, that the City Council members could not meet with businesses or community members because it would constitute “Ex Parte Communication.” But if she is correct, then Mayor Cave may have violated this law herself as she allegedly participated in this very kind of communication with a business owner last Friday.
And there appears to be evidence that a developer is in talks with the Council about the high density zoning for the Orion lots. But none of that information has been made public.
The residents in neighborhoods surrounding 4 Orion have sent over 150 letters opposing the rezoning, while offering numerous viable options for the high density housing. All we are getting in return is deception and misdirection from the city staff and politicians. Mayor Cave delivered a brief, rehearsed statement assuring us that she is concerned about our welfare, but could not speak for her colleagues. She also alluded to several laws that would not allow her to attend the meeting, lest she be swayed by what she heard from the residents. More smokescreen from officials we have learned to distrust. All we want is a straight answer, and acknowledgement that we have legitimate concerns. We need to be heard!
Over 120 citizens stuck it out through a lengthy workshop last Thursday, bearing unreasonable heat due to a lack of A/C in the city council chambers, many standing the entire time because of a lack of seating. Although Councilman Ross Chun was overheard asking for the A/C to be turned on, the conditions only worsened. There were also 2 Sheriff Deputies in attendance watching the proceedings, courtesy of our tax dollars. Aliso Viejo homeowners remained to make certain their concerns were heard. In the end, our statements were met with condescension, delivered by planning director Albert Armijo. We will not give up!
I’m glad someone is finally paying attention to the activities of the Aliso Viejo City Council. For more than 10 years, the same group of politicians has selected what information the public has access to, and what will be kept behind closed doors. The public has a right to know what their elected representatives are doing, and how they are arriving at the decisions that drain our tax dollars. Carmen Cave has been the queen for far too long and it shows in the way she treats the public.