Low Income High Density 6-storey High Multi-Family Apartment Complex proposed for 23330-24461 Mill Creek Drive at Ridge Route in Laguna Hills, threatens to disrupt the harmony and tranquility of our community. 

The City of Laguna Hills General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, new Housing Overlay, states that the property is now zoned for a 65’ tall residential building. 

Concerned Local Residents collectively object to this proposed new Construction for the reasons set out below. 

1. 65’ Building Height – Too tall: With no other high rise residential buildings in the area, this new building will be an eyesore. We want the City of Laguna Hills to reduce the building height to maximum 30’, while also maintaining at least the minimum 20’ setbacks.

 

2. Lost Views, Property value and diminished resale opportunities: The proposed building will decrease property values for existing residents from 10 to 15% plus (based on current market values this could be a loss of up to $112,000.00 per property). The Developer will benefit from the huge financial loss incurred by the existing residents.

3. Privacy Concerns: The proposed new buildings will lead to a loss of privacy for existing residents and allow the new residents to see directly into residents' homes. This is causing great safety concern for families with young children, women who live alone, as well as individuals who may travel regularly, leaving their homes temporarily vacant. We are concerned residents will feel exposed and uncomfortable, leading to a decrease in our quality of life.

4. Not consistent with Neighborhood: Introducing a high-rise building into a low-density low-rise residential neighborhood will disrupt the character and aesthetics of the area. Our local residential and commercial neighborhood is characterized by 2-story buildings with flat roofs; introducing a 65-foot structure will drastically alter its character, and we fear, will stand out like a sore thumb for miles. 

5. Extremely High Density: The site at 23330-24461 Mill Creek Drive, with a proposed 800 new homes at a density of 50 units per acre. Mixed Use has a density rate of 20 dwelling units per acre, high density has a density range of 18-30 dwelling units per acre. This far supersedes the density of any surrounding areas.

6. Parking, Traffic Congestion and Noise Pollution: With an average of 1-2 cars per home, this new development will add up to 1600 new cars or more for this site alone, not including the additional future development sites on Mill Creek Drive. Thousands of additional residents will increase traffic congestion and overburden infrastructure. 

7. Construction Phasing: With a project of this size, construction will take years. The effect on current residents would mean years of traffic congestion, dust and noise pollution. Many of the residents are retired or work from home, and endless daily construction noise would be a huge burden on the local community. 

8. Fire Safety Concerns: Laguna Village neighborhood is designated as High Fire Hazard by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and is already struggling to find Insurance coverage; this proposal will increase these difficulties. Increased residents and cars will severely hinder evacuation during an emergency due to the volume of vehicles and people that would need to evacuate at once. 

9. Affordable Housing: The HERE at Laguna Hills Business Park, located at 23330-24461 Mill Creek Road was purchased by Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a Las Vegas Investment firm for $63.8 million dollars in 2022. With such a large investment, and added construction costs, Kingsbarn Realty Capital will need to sell / rent these properties at full market value, not low income, to recoup their investment. 

10. Ecological Harm: Our environmental concerns are equally pressing. The adjacent Veeh Reservoir and surrounding land provide essential habitats for local wildlife and contribute significantly to our community's biodiversity. Any harm inflicted on these ecosystems would be irreversible.

Summary:

The proposed multistory building seriously impacts the current area in many ways, and we urge you to consider these points seriously before proceeding with any construction plans that could potentially harm our beloved community's character, safety, environment, or property values. 

Please sign this petition if you stand with us against the proposed 65’ high-density housing project on Mill Creek Drive in Laguna Hills.

Please scroll down below for additional information: