Decision on Major Development on Brea Hills Stalled
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BREA — The City Council announced Tuesday night that it would postpone until Sept. 5 a decision on a major plan to develop homes on the once oil-rich hills above Brea.
“In response to concerns of the community, Santa Fe Energy [has proposed] a reduction in the number of units and additional safety measures,” said Mayor Bev Perry.
No details were revealed at the council hearing. Texas-based Santa Fe Energy Resources had wanted to build 867 units, including single-family homes, a senior-citizens complex and faculty housing on a 284-acre parcel north of Carbon Canyon Road and east of Valencia Avenue.
The city’s General Plan, which aims to keep the hillsides rural and allow only low-density housing, would permit fewer than 500 homes there. But Santa Fe had asked the council to amend the plan to allow more housing.
A group of residents has protested the development, saying it would bring more traffic, noise and possible health hazards from a nearby landfill.
Foes say that amending the General Plan could set a precedent and allow other oil companies to build high-density housing in the hills.
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