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Council pauses South Laguna trail project, asks members to pursue county, conservancy and community partners
Summary
Staff recommended pausing the proposed trail because of property‑right and habitat mitigation hurdles; council voted to keep options open, asked Councilmember Jones and Mayor Pro Tem Orgill to pursue discussions with Orange County Parks and other external partners, and directed staff not to continue active work pending outside interest.
The council reviewed a staff feasibility report and a consultant study on a proposed public trail access in South Laguna on Jan. 28 and decided not to advance staff-led entitlement work while asking two council members and outside stakeholders to pursue partnerships and grant opportunities.
Background: Staff and consultants analyzed a trail alignment that would have required clearing, new steps and retaining work in a sensitive habitat area. Public‑works staff and OC Parks told the city the area lies within the Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) and that converting informal paths into a formal trail would likely trigger habitat mitigation requirements and a detailed environmental document.
Council direction: Rather than authorize full city-funded design and environmental work, the council approved a motion to accept the consultant report but not continue active staff entitlements at this time. Council asked Mayor Pro Tem Orgill and Councilmember Jones to pursue discussions with Orange County Parks, the Coastal Conservancy and potential community partners (for example, the South Laguna Civic Association and local nonprofits) and to report back if outside grant or partnership opportunities emerge. The council clarified staff should not expend major additional resources until those outside options are explored.
Public comment: Neighbors and community groups urged the council not to abandon the project; residents stressed the trail’s potential public‑safety and recreational benefits and suggested additional fundraising or grant strategies.
Next steps: The council expects outside partners to report back and for the committee‑level discussions to determine whether to resume city‑led entitlement work.
