Relocation of the maintenance yard, not specifically to ACT V, was
the recommendation of the Village Entrance Task Force eight years
ago. The task force wanted a clear space to construct a project that
would do the city proud.
The decision had broad support until ACT V was specified as the
location. But supporters said there is no other location large enough
to accommodate the yard.
Laguna Greenbelt Inc. opposed the move to ACT V based on
environmental concerns. Laguna Canyon Conservancy opposed it based on
the loss of peripheral parking, which will probably curtail tram
service, making ACT V less attractive to out-of-town visitors. Even
the Laguna Taxpayers Assn. originally opposed, wanting more
information on what services could be contracted.
One previous council approved the relocation. The next one vetoed
it.
The city held a Village Entrance design contest, which
specifically called for the Maintenance Yard to be included. The City
Council selected the winner, which proposed confining maintenance
activities to the ground floor of a parking structure, leaving room
for embellishments to the area.
"It was a wonderful plan," said former Mayor Ann Christoph, a
member of Village Laguna and the South Laguna Civic Assn. "And it had
comprehensive community support."
Subsequently, the council voted 3 to 2 in favor of relocating the
yard to ACT V, with the strongest support from Mayor Cheryl Kinsman
and Councilwoman Elizabeth Pearson, both of whom served on the
Village Entrance Task Force as members of the Planning Commission.
Iseman opposed the location even before she was elected six years
ago and has never changed her position.
"This is an amazing opportunity for the community to work out a
long-term solution," Iseman said at the July 20 council meeting.
Former Planning Commissioner Doug Reilly thanked Iseman and
Councilman Wayne Baglin at the meeting for speaking on behalf of the
citizens opposed to the project.
"I thank the 21 art groups and the chamber that support the ACT V
project," said Pearson, but he added that there is room for
compromise.
Pearson and Iseman are reportedly working on a compromise.
-- Barbara Diamond
