Aliso Creek EIR nears

The Aliso Creek redevelopment project is moving “full speed ahead” despite the departure of Greg Vail from Athens Group, according to Laguna Beach City Manager Ken Frank.

Vail served as Athens Group’s director of forward planning and sustainable development, shepherding the major redevelopment project in Aliso Canyon through a multiyear process.

The change is part of Athens Group’s “restructuring,” said Athens Group spokeswoman Joan Gladstone.

“Greg has transitioned to become a consultant to the company,” Gladstone said. “He will continue to be a resource to the Athens Group on the Aliso Creek Area Redevelopment Plan. John Mansour will continue to manage the process.”

She added that the Aliso Creek project is making progress.

“The Aliso Creek Area Redevelopment Plan continues to move forward,” Gladstone said. “We have submitted plans and documents requested by the city and the city’s EIR [environmental impact report] consultant. From this point forward, the city’s role is to manage the preparation of the draft EIR and future review and approval process. In light of this transition, we have evaluated and implemented some restructuring of our office.

Vail will return to the consulting firm he operated prior to joining the Athens Group, according to Gladstone.

Frank said Athens Group gave the city a check for about $60,000 to cover EIR expenses a couple of weeks ago. The city oversees the environmental review process but it is paid for by the developer.

“We hope to have a draft EIR in a month,” Frank said. “The EIR consultant is working feverishly. The project is full speed ahead.”

Vail is a former Laguna Beach Planning commissioner, serving from 1996 to 2000.

Athens Group developed the Montage Resort & Spa, and is proposing a new resort complex with residences and a golf course on the Aliso Canyon property, which is the home of the Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course.

For details about the project, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net

City Editor CINDY FRAZIER can be reached at [email protected].