Lake Forest declares Whispering Hills surplus land, starts Surplus Land Act process for affordable‑housing proposals

The Lake Forest City Council unanimously declared the Whispering Hills site surplus and authorized staff to issue a Notice of Availability (NOA) under the California Surplus Land Act, beginning a 60‑day solicitation period for interested housing developers and eligible entities.

Housing and Economic Development Manager Adrian Grijalva presented the item, describing strategic‑plan initiative No. 13 to identify an affordable‑housing developer for the parcel and noting prior outreach: letters to more than 800 surrounding property owners, two public workshops, and a monitored project email address. Staff said the city completed the municipal park abandonment process and prepared a draft NOA that HCD reviewed; if interest is received during the 60‑day period, staff will engage in at least 90 days of good‑faith negotiations over price and development parameters and then report results to HCD for review.

Jackie Jordan, who said she has worked with homeless populations since 2007 and helped form an affordable‑housing board, urged council to meet with community partners and explore mixed housing (senior and single‑parent units) on the approximately 6.5‑acre site and offered to present a proposal to staff and council.

Councilmembers moved and seconded staff's recommendation to declare the site surplus, issue the NOA, and authorize the city manager to proceed with SLA steps; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said the NOA could be issued the next day to begin the 60‑day solicitation, with the negotiation period and subsequent reporting timelines provided in the staff presentation. The staff report recommended findings that the action is not subject to CEQA at this stage and outlined HCD review and potential remedy periods if SLA compliance issues arise.

Staff will return to the council after solicitation and negotiation to report on respondent interest and next steps.