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Developer seeks major changes to Village at Laguna Hills plan; council forms ad hoc committee to negotiate
Summary
Merlon Garrett Partners asked Laguna Hills to consider amendments to the Village at Laguna Hills development agreement that shift land uses (remove some office/theater space, add two hotels, and consolidate 200 affordable units on a single site). After public comment raising affordability, integration and traffic concerns, the council directed staff to begin negotiations and formed a two‑member ad hoc committee (Mayor Pro Tem Kaske and Councilmember Mathis).
Merlon Garrett Partners presented proposed major modifications to the Village at Laguna Hills development agreement at the Laguna Hills City Council meeting on April 22, saying the changes respond to post‑COVID market shifts and financing realities.
James Squilliam, managing director for the applicant, described a reconfigured site plan that removes a previously entitled block of office and theater space, adds two hotels, relocates anchors and the village park to increase visibility, and proposes a standalone building containing 200 affordable units targeted to seniors and veterans. Squilliam said the applicant remains in compliance with the existing development agreement and has paid "over $6,000,000 in fees to date." He asked…
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