In my opinion, the main issues facing our city over the next four years must all be considered in light of the proposed Opportunities Study.  The proposed zoning / development will not only affect Lake Forest dramatically over the next four years, but will affect the type of city we live in, in the future. Here are several issues important to all citizens of Lake Forest:  

Traffic

• If the City goes ahead with plans for high-density residential re-zoning, traffic congestion will cause five intersections in Lake Forest to be near failure.

• Complete Portola Parkway extension.  Why is this still unfunded?

• Work with schools, neighborhoods, and traffic engineers to solve traffic issues.

• Add medians to El Toro Road north of the redevelopment zone for aesthetic and safety reasons.  The El Toro Redevelopment area including the medians, sidewalks and landscaping are beginning to come together and enhance our city.  Let’s continue this.

• Establish fair and reasonable housing densities that will not overwhelm our roadway system.

 Recreation Facilities

• The City needs more athletic fields and a community center for residents of all ages.  Currently, there are not enough suitable facilities in the city to accommodate the residents. 

• Build sports field now, to solve today's shortage.

• Expedite completion of large Community Sports Complex.

Bike Trails

• The City should develop a bike trail plan to coordinate our bike trails with neighboring cities, especially Irvine and the new Great Park.

City Hall

• Does the city need to spend $25 million on a new 88,000 square foot (sf) city hall? 

  Cost of other city halls:

  ·        Rancho Santa Margarita, 50,000 sf, built 2004, $17 million

  ·        Mission Viejo, 52,000 sf, built 2002, $14 million

  ·        Aliso Viejo, 10,000 sf, acquired 2006, $6 million

  Source:  OC Register, 9/13/2005; OC Register, 5/4/2006