SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Custom-Home Plan ‘Needs More Work’

A developer’s proposal to build custom homes on 99 acres in the southeast portion of town failed to win City Council approval this week, and the company was instructed to come back in 30 days with a new plan.

Concorde Development of Irvine has spent nearly two years seeking approval to develop a hilly parcel known as Connemara near the San Clemente border. Both the Planning Commission and City Council, however, have objected to the extensive grading and filling that would be necessary for the development.

Concorde had also sought an exception to a city ordinance that prohibits construction within 200 feet of ridgelines.

“I think this project has come to the council prematurely,” said Mayor Gary L. Hausdorfer. “It needs more work.”

The council did, however, leave the door open for the project’s approval at a later date.

“I think there’s probably a development scheme that can protect the ridgeline,” said Councilman Phillip R. Schwartze.

At least part of the allure of the project to the city is Concorde’s offer to extend Camino Las Ramblas through the approximately 900 acres of open space the city owns northeast of the parcel. A spokesman for Concorde estimated it would cost the city between $4 million and $5 million to import the dirt as fill for the road extension if it was done without the company’s help.

The open space acreage was deeded to the city by Glendale Federal Bank in exchange for its development.

City Councilman Lawrence F. Buchheim said the road extension was something the city should look at seriously.

“I think the city should make a determination whether or not that road is really what we want,” Buchheim said. “That property isn’t doing us much good if we can’t get to it.”

Buchheim also bristled at the objections raised by homeowners at Connemara who have asked the city to reject the project.

“I can remember when what is now the Connemara property was nothing but cattle,” Buchheim said. “We’re not trying to give the city away, but Connemara wouldn’t be there if we had stopped the grading. This is another case of ‘I got mine, to hell with you.’ ”

Concorde is hoping for the chance to sell 76 to 83 custom lots in the $300,000 to $400,000 price range.