Jacqueline Scott, San Juan Capistrano
Do you truly love San Juan Capistrano? Then say ‘no’ to Laguna Glen and rezoning.
Here are the negative impacts:
One, traffic congestion: Traffic has been a problem for some time now, yet developers insult our intelligence by telling us there will be no particular negative impact on traffic as seniors don’t drive much. I don’t know any seniors around here who don’t drive. Add that to visitors, service vehicles, staff and other employees at Laguna Glen.
Two, water overuse: We are in the midst of a severe drought with no end in sight and water usage is at a category 2 (out of 3) stage. Our aquifer is already polluted with sea water. The 407 units plus all the facilities at Laguna Glen—we simply can’t support it.
Three, according to Laguna Glen’s sales office, there would be at least two years of construction with noise, dust, trucks and heavy machinery with attendant traffic congestion. Can you live with that?
Four, quality of life in San Juan Capistrano: Consider all of the above—it’s no kind of way to live for homeowners or for anyone at Laguna Glen.
Five, Parking: Quite simply, we already have a lack of it. Where are all visitors, service vehicles and staff at Laguna Glen supposed to park when there are hardly enough spaces for residents?
This author has some questions. What kind of impact would Laguna Glen have on our property values given the above points? What about taxpayer monies? We’re already footing the bill for lawsuits against the city. Would Laguna Glen really pay for all infrastructure costs?
Our forbearers here in San Juan Capistrano must be turning over in their graves at this blatant attempt to line the pockets of a few greedy developers at the cost of everyone in San Juan. Yes, even those who are for Laguna Glen. It will cost you too.
How could our Planning Commission members Ian Gardiner, Sheldon Cohen and Roy Nunn even consider such a development and even welcome it knowing how strapped we are for all of the above-mentioned reasons? Why? (By the way, there are no term limits for City Council members or the mayor.)
If anyone is still “itching” for development of those 35 acres, why not consider, say, a park with community vegetable and herb gardens and fruit and nut trees? What other useful and beautiful uses could be made of this property?
If I sound passionate about all this, it’s because I love SJC and I’m sure you do too. I agree with one speaker at the Sept. 30 meeting who said this issue should be taken to the vote. I implore you to say “no” to LG and rezoning. Let’s preserve what remains of our lovely jewel of a mission town.
