Orange council approves 6–1 letter of intent with Milan and Landify for potential Sully Miller open‑space project

The City of Orange council voted 6–1 on April 22 to enter a nonbinding letter of intent (LOI) with Milan REIX LLC and Landify ECT Corporation to explore converting the Sully Miller property on East San Air Canyon Road into open space or a park. Council Member Barrios cast the lone no vote.

City Attorney Wayne Winters told the council the LOI does not transfer property rights, is intended to be no cost to the city, and would not obligate the city to undertake cleanup or indemnify private parties at this stage. Winters said, “We are not we are not agreeing to anything. We're not giving up any rights,” and added that regulatory approvals would still be required before any transfer or city ownership could occur.

The staff report said Milan currently owns the inert debris landfill property and that Landify is a firm that remediates inert debris sites and repurposes them into parks; any soil brought to the site would be tested and must meet city standards. A member of the public, Kim Plaine, urged safe and proper closure of the landfill and supported repurposing the property to passive natural habitat.

Council discussion centered on risk and indemnity questions. One council member asked whether the LOI exposed the city to cleanup responsibilities or other liabilities; Winters reiterated that the LOI is not a commitment of city funds or rights and that regulatory agency requirements must be satisfied before any city role would proceed.

The motion to approve the LOI was made by Council Member Demetrio and seconded by Council Member Gutierrez. City clerk roll call recorded the motion’s adoption by a 6–1 vote (Barrios no). The item was described in staff materials as an exploratory step to allow the parties to pursue planning and remediation discussions; no property transfer or construction financing was authorized by the LOI.