Water Fowl Concerns Stall Development Plan

One of the city’s largest proposed residential developments in years is on hold, in part because of concerns that a man-made lake in the project could attract high numbers of water fowl.

Citing the bird issue and other questions, City Council members recently postponed taking action on the “Lakeside” proposal until they have more information.

“I am in favor of the project; I think it will be a beautiful addition to the city,” Councilwoman Patsy Marshall said, after pulling the item from the council’s agenda this week. “But I feel I have a responsibility to the 74,000 residents of Buena Park to make sure all of my concerns and those of the Planning Commission are fully addressed.”

Irvine-based Catellus Residential Group Inc. is proposing 350 homes on a 70-acre former strawberry field at Dale Street and Malvern Avenue.

The plan includes an 8-acre lake. Officials at nearby Fullerton Municipal Airport have said the lake could attract birds, which would pose a hazard to planes coming in and out of the airport.

“People who use the airport were afraid these water fowl would cross paths with airplanes,” Planning Commissioner Robert J. Niccum said.

The Planning Commission passed the project on a 3-2 vote last month, with dissenters arguing they needed more time to study the issues.

“It’s not that I’m opposed to the project,” said Planning Commissioner Franki Berry, who voted against the development. “We just wanted to address some of the concerns.”

The project recently moved to the City Council after the Redevelopment Agency proposed kicking in $1.3 million to ensure that 53 of the units would remain “affordable” to those with moderate incomes.

Council members, after postponing action, did not indicate when they would reconsider the plan.

The builders said they were surprised at the delay. “Based on the intensive planning and work that went into creating Lakeside . . . we trust the City Council will give the project its full approval,” said Tim Unger, Catellus’ executive vice president.