Homes near Bolsa Chica wetlands rejected

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The California Coastal Commission last week voted down a housing project near the Bolsa Chica wetlands, putting a new wrinkle in a decade-long battle between the developer and environmentalists.

The ruling marks a significant victory for protectors of the wetlands, Councilwoman Connie Boardman said.

‘I’m just really happy,’ said Boardman, who is also the president of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. ‘I voted against the Shea project when I was on the council in 2002. I’m really glad the Coastal Commission has finally agreed with me.’

The City Council originally approved Corona-based Shea Homes’ 50-acre, 111-home project and related infrastructure, including roads and public access trails.

The development, slated to be located at 17301 Graham St. north of Wintersburg Channel, passed in a 4-3 vote in 2002.

Since then, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust worked around the clock to prevent the development, which they say would have grave environmental impacts and endanger neighboring residents.

‘This is part of the Bolsa Chica ecosystem,’ Boardman told the Huntington Beach Independent. ‘It’s like building anywhere in Bolsa Chica.’

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--Mona Shadia, Times Community News

Photo: Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Credit: L.A. Times