Politics & Government

SJC's Top Development Projects of the Last Year

The Planning Commission will receive a report tonight about eight recent building projects which deviated from the city's general plan.

Eight times in the past year, officials from San Juan Capistrano have entertained development proposals which deviate from the city’s general plan.

A general plan is a city’s blueprint to how much development there will be and where it will go. Whenever someone wants to build something that doesn’t fit the plans, he has to ask for an amendment to the plan.

The Planning Commission will review Tuesday night the projects that came before the city in fiscal year 2011-12, seeking such changes. They include:

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Expansion of . It increased the gross square footage of the school from 157,731 square feet to 232,982. Construction is expected to wrap up by year’s end.
  • The Districto La Novia/San Juan Meadow project, a mixed-use development comprised of a 75,000-square-foot shopping center, hundreds of homes and a 500-horse stable. The project needed voter approval, which it received .Construction is expected to begin within a year.
  • The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, which the city bought in January 2010 as part of a much larger acquisition of 132 acres from landowner and developer . The purchase required a change to three open space designations. The city is currently examining leases it has with equestrian  providers and considering its options for future uses. In addition, part of the property is being converted to a 12-acre passive park, to be called Reata Park and Event Center.
  • , a 124-room hotel project that also includes some office and retail space. According to the Planning Commission report, the city is in negotiations with the landowner to implement the plan.
  • The Groves is a 26-unit affordable housing project planned for the corner of Camino Capistrano and Junipero Serra Road. While approved, it’s technical, engineering and grading plans are still in the drawing phase.
  • The Historic Town Master Plan, . It sets forth new design plans for the downtown area, making it more pedestrian-friendly. It envisions new housing along Del Obispo Street. It requires the cooperation of the private sector for compliance. The city will begin its contribution for sidewalk rehabilitation in the next year.
  • The Oaks Farm, currently an equestrian facility and open space, is . The developer, Shea Homes, will have to get approval from the voters for a zoning change. The Planning Commission recently recommended the City Council turn down Shea’s bid. The council is expected to take up the matter at its next meeting, July 17.
  • An apartment complex is proposed near on a 4-acre parcel that was not part of the original Whispering Hills project. This project is currently making its way through the planning process.


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