City Panel to Address Bixby Ranch Project

The Planning Commission tonight tackles the controversial Bixby Ranch development plan, which seeks to turn a 218-acre parcel into a retail and commercial complex with a variety of uses.

The property, off Seal Beach Boulevard north of Lampson Avenue, currently holds a 117-acre golf course and vacant land. The Bixby Ranch Co.’s goals:

* Build a 25-acre Old Ranch Towne Center, including commercial buildings and stores, a community police center, restaurants and a service station.

* Build a hotel, restaurant and senior assisted-living facility on 13.5 acres.

* Expand and reconfigure the golf course to 158 acres.

* Build a large church with a seating capacity of 3,570 on 15 acres.

* Donate the existing tennis club, which has about 18 courts, to the city for public recreation. City officials say some of the courts would be converted to another recreation use.

The plan has generated opposition from residents of Seal Beach and Rossmoor. Their primary fear is that it will increase traffic on Seal Beach Boulevard and on the smaller residential streets of Rossmoor.

The developer contends that its plans to widen some of the nearby roads will make traffic flow better than it does now.

The Planning Commission’s hearing begins at 7:30 in the City Council chambers, 211 8th St.