Murrieta council OKs environmental work to preserve buildable acreage at Los Alamos sports park

Murrieta City Council on Aug. 19 approved city staff’s recommendation to amend the budget and contract with environmental consultants to pursue permits and prepare a rough grading plan for the 47‑acre Los Alamos Sports Park phase 2 site.

Staff said the site lies within RCA Core 2 habitat and requires a more substantial environmental review than typical park projects. The recommended work includes biological review (Lehi Lucas & Associates) and preparation of an initial study and rough grading plan; consultant fees for the reduced scope total $347,230. Staff noted the city previously spent about $183,000 on prior biological work, making the compounded cost to date approximately $430,000.

Council debate focused on tradeoffs: staff and some council members argued that unencumbering and maintaining the land now would avoid higher permitting costs later as additional species are listed, while others — including public commenters — asked for clearer estimates of future grading and buildout costs and an explicit “end game” for development before committing general‑fund resources. Public speakers questioned whether general‑fund dollars should be used before a partner or a specific plan is finalized.

Councilmember Stone moved and Councilmember Holiday seconded authorization for the environmental agreements and related budget amendment; the motion passed unanimously, 5–0. Staff said the permits would open options for future recreation uses and that, if a private partner emerges, the city could leverage permits and grading to proceed toward buildout.