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Politics & Government

RSM Townhomes, 66 of Them, Get OK from City Council

City Council approves a 4.09-acre project at corner of Avenida de las Banderas and Alma Aldea, next to the IHOP. Holloway dissents: "We're all built out."

Sixty-six new townhomes are destined for Rancho Santa Margarita.

On Wednesday night, the City Council approved a developer's plan to build a 4.09-acre high-density residential project at 30482 Avenida de las Banderas.

The project, called RSM Townhomes, would be made up of 66 attached residences composed of 11 buildings two or three stories in height.

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The concept plan presented to the council May 11 included a central pool, a children’s play area and a boccie court.

Bordered to the south by Avila Apartments, to the north by Avenida de  las Banderas and to the east by Alma Aldea, the project will fill the former location of the Morasha Jewish Day School, which closed in June 2009.

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Council members questioned the staff and the applicant regarding concerns about traffic, overspill parking and the fee the city would receive from the developer because of state legislation.

Officials also added a requirement that the applicant, Oxbow Communities Inc., develop a parking control program to address possible problems.

“I think this is going to be a good project, and I look forward to it,” said Councilwoman Carol Gamble, who along with Mayor Tony Beall and Councilman Steven Baric voted for the project.

Councilman Jerry Holloway opposed it.

“I’m against any residential growth in this city, and I will be until I’m shown the benefit to the existing residents," Holloway said. "We’re all built out, as far as I’m concerned.”

Eric Cernich, Oxbow CEO,  said he felt good about receiving approval and thanked city staff for its efforts.

Cernich said the project would fit the style and decor of the city well.

He added that he expects to start sales in the first quarter of next year and that prices will be in the low- to mid-$400,000 range.

To download the 318 page staff report on the item, click here.

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