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<br />ALUC Minutes <br />Page 8 <br />January 15, 2004 <br /> <br />Chairman Bresnahan noted that a comfort height would be the Part 77 Imaginary Surface at 204', <br />above which there would be impacts in a sensitive area. He conceded there is no specific point on <br />which to find the project Inconsistent, but he warned of the danger of an accident resulting in public <br />demands about why such a situation was allowed, just as is the case where the issue is noise. <br /> <br />A short discussion ensued about urban airport tragedies and ideal airport siting situations, with Mr. <br />Mola supporting large land purchases to prevent encroachment. <br /> <br />Chairman Bresnahan repeated his view that he sees no legal basis for an Inconsistency finding, but <br />finds it disturbing to learn that this project could be 605' closer to the centerline and still be <br />approved, noting that he is also tempted to abstain from a vote to approve. <br /> <br />Alternate Commissioner S. Beverburg discussed the details of the distance figures provided in the <br />staff reports, noting that the aircraft airspace exceeds the area of the noise contours, possibly being a <br />weakness of the AELUP that may require the future development of unique restriction zones. <br /> <br />Commissioners Campbell and S. Beverburg discussed the onus of public protection on the ALUC <br />and Commissioner Kranser' s concept of "margin of safety." <br /> <br />The Chairman noted that such a strategy must be aggressive in view of development trends. <br /> <br />Staff Analyst Brady corrected his earlier comment, now recalling that the EIR received was for the <br />Broadway Plaza high-rise in downtown Santa Ana, and that only a set of drawings had been received <br />for the Geneva Commons project from the City. <br /> <br />Replying to the Chairman, Mr. Brady related his search of the ALUC files, where he had found past <br />agenda listings for MacArthur Place, but only one 1989 staff report dealing with the 12-story <br />building next to Mr. Mola's site, which at 229' is the highest building elevation now in that locale. <br /> <br />Mr. Mola repeated his claim that the original area entitlements were for four million square feet of <br />office space in 20-25 story buildings. <br /> <br />Chairman Bresnahan stated his concern with Santa Ana being an Inconsistent Local Agency, in that <br />assurances are lacking for what the City may do in a sensitive area. He asked for a second to <br />Commissioner H. Beverburg's motion to find the project Inconsistent. <br /> <br />Commissioner Campbell seconded the motion. <br /> <br />Replying to Commissioner Webb, Commissioner H. Beverburg explained the basis of his motion as <br />the General Policy of the AELUP, and that the finding would provide the City the chance to study <br />the issues in depth while deciding whether to override the ALUC. <br /> <br />Chairman Bresnahan observed that the project shows why the judgment of seven Commissioners is <br />required to evaluate staffs recommendations as well as the public testimony. He repeated his view <br />that the objections to the project are too vague for him to vote Inconsistent, despite his concerns. He <br />noted that the closer a project gets to the limit lines, the less flexible restricted areas are. He added <br />his doubt that someone following the current lines, can be penalized with an Inconsistency finding. <br /> <br />The motion failed on a vote of2 ayes, 3 nays, and 2 abstentions. <br /> <br />75C-171 <br />