In Laguna Beach, there was a project approved by the city's Design Review Board in the Mystic Hills neighborhood, and I am looking again at how this project got the OK. Is everyone turning his or her head away?
Once upon a time, known for its charm, quaintness and exceptional neighborhoods, the character of our city appears as if it is slowly changing because of the board's unorthodox decisions.
Unfortunately, it appears the board's approved design and its construction are turning into the blight I saw from the preliminary plans, which I contested. A new retaining wall will be like one found on the side of a rural freeway or some industrial site.
The homeowner removed the original, natural vegetation, which graces most of Mystic Way, and much later came up with a quick fix with a 16-foot wall with railroad ties and steel I-beams. Would the Design Review Board members welcome this project across the street from the front of their home or your home?