Dana Point Residents Have Waited Long Enough for Headlands Project

October 19, 2003

Re "Coastal Project Ruling Delayed," Oct. 10:

After endless delays, the California Coastal Commission is still not satisfied. It's not enough for commission staff to squeeze every ounce of blood out of Headlands Reserve, the property owner of the Headlands. They want body parts. The developer has already given up almost 90 acres of his 121 acres to open space, habitat area, parks, trails and community amenities that set this project apart from other developments.

How much more will the developer have to give up before the project becomes economically infeasible and this magnificent property becomes more and more degraded?

The plan that went before the commission Oct. 9 may have been the last best chance to save the Headlands.

When Headlands Reserve faces the commission in January, I hope reason prevails. More delays and changes will not only risk the protection of the endangered species, but also risk draining the very essence and spirit that made this project unique.

Carol Finizza

Dana Point

*

Re "Coastal Development: Make or Break," Sept. 30:

This article failed to point out a number of important details. The Headlands Development and Conservation Plan is the result of six years of collaboration between the Headlands property owner and the community.

Soon after buying the Dana Point Headlands, the property owner invited the community to get involved in his plans. Call it a "scheme" if you want to, but this scheme empowered the community to play a bold and creative role in the final outcome. What you pointed out as "40,000 square feet" of commercial space is in fact for community facilities, such as a lighthouse and cultural arts center. The Dana Point residents who have put their heart and soul into this project are ordinary people who want something special for this blighted property. We also surf Strand Beach.

But unlike some members of Surfrider Foundation, we aren't willing to cut holes in the fences to get down to the Strand. We want safe access and a place to take our children.

Carol O'Connell

Dana Point

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