Brea Growth Measure Gets Hearing

BREA, CA-The City Council here in this North Orange County community will debate tonight a resident-driven proposal that could put sharp new limits on the development of local hillsides.

The council has two choices: Approve the plan by a majority vote tonight, or put it on the November ballot. The plan would basic limitations on development of the city’s roughly 5,000 acres of scenic hillside and would require any project that exceeds those limits come before the voters for approval.

Supporters of the measure say it would protect the city’s scenic views and hillside environment. Opponents say it’s unnecessary and could trigger a flurry of lawsuits by property owners who want to build on land they have already purchased.