ORANGE – The Irvine Co. won approval Tuesday night to build nearly 4,000 homes on the outskirts of Orange in a project that will stretch the city’s border eastward.
After four night meetings, the City Council voted unanimously to allow the project, which faced opposition from environmentalists seeking to protect the eastern hills and city and canyon residents concerned about more traffic.
“I do think it’s a good plan. I think it’s good for Orange and I like the idea we’re keeping local control,” Councilman Jon Dumitru said.
The Irvine Co. could have sought county approval if the city had rejected the plan. The housing development will be annexed to the city.
“The Irvine Co. threatened to go to the county, and the City Council blinked,” said John Ufkes, chairman of the Orange Hills Task Force, which opposed the project.
The development will add 12,000 residents to the city of 138,000.
The project includes a 20-acre sports park, riding and walking trails, and a marina and inn near Irvine Lake. A 50-home development known as Area 3, on the easternmost portion of the property, was rejected.
The Irvine Co. has long sought to build on its land. In 1989, the company proposed more than 12,000 residential units and a retail complex, but later scaled back its plan, leaving more open space.
More than 2,300 people are on an interest list for the homes, which will include townhouses and single-family dwelling, said Irvine Co. spokesman John Christensen.
Irvine Co. Vice President Dan Miller was pleased by the unanimous decision.
“I think it reflects the fact that we worked with the city to develop a plan that we think is balanced,” he said.
Construction is expected to begin next year, after various permits are granted, and could be completed by 2013.
The council will require a progress report detailing the project’s impact on city finances and traffic.
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