Residents press council on Oak Creek plan and open-space ballot language; concerns about vouchers and permanent affordable housing

Several residents used public comment to press the City Council on the future of Oak Creek and on a proposed voter initiative aimed at open-space protections.

Joanne Slobodian, representing a grassroots group Save Irvine Open Space, criticized the city attorney and accused the city of allowing legal loopholes permitting development on land residents expect to be protected. "This ballot initiative wouldn't exist if city attorney Jeff Melching hadn't called a resolution 88-1 advisory, handing the Irvine Company a legal loophole to build on protected land," she said, and asked to participate in drafting ballot language. Other commenters expressed concern that legal advice and prior council actions had undermined open-space protections.

Speakers also pressed the council about the Oak Creek development proposal and the Irvine Company's housing commitments. Heidi told the council the proposed plan for 3,100 homes "doesn't create long term affordable housing," saying vouchers proposed in the plan cover only limited periods and a small number of families concurrently. Heidi contrasted the Irvine Company's voucher proposal with the city's rule, which she said would require 465 permanent affordable homes or roughly $52 million in lieu fees. Residents argued the voucher approach risks returning households to unaffordability when vouchers expire.

Other public commenters urged the council to protect the Oak Creek Golf Course and criticized the Irvine Company's perceived lack of transparency, while some speakers warned that rejecting all development without offering alternatives could limit options for young residents seeking housing in Irvine.

The council did not take immediate action on the Oak Creek matters during this meeting. Speakers asked the council to ensure ballot language is clear and enforceable and requested continued public engagement as the proposal moves forward.