Aug. 14--Online: Download the Carrari Ranch initial study at RC Now

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- If the Carrari Ranch project got the green light today, it would still be another five years for the proposed 110 homes to be constructed.

Nevertheless, more than 200 residents on Wednesday felt the urgency to voice staunch opposition to the housing development that Rep. Gary Miller, R-Brea, wants to build.

Thirty-four residents brought up issues of fire safety, traffic and wildlife endangerment as reasons they are against the development planned in the northern foothills of the city.

The scoping hearing held at the Planning Commission meeting was not a time for commissioners to debate the merits of Miller's proposal but rather a time to gather public testimony on environmental concerns. Comments will be included in a draft document, an environmental impact report, expected to be complete in November.

"This is a project that has no reason for being," said resident Lee Nelson.

Commissioner Rich Fletcher asked speakers to address only the environmental impacts of the project but that didn't stop residents from airing other frustrations.

Many pleaded for the Planning Commission to reject the project when it's up for a vote and said they were fearful Miller would use his political position to bring a development not suitable for this

community.

"You should not grant special privileges to anyone, especially a politician," said resident Jack Adams.

Ken Ryan of architecture firm KTGY who is representing Miller said he was not surprised to hear such strong opposition.

"Any time you start a project, people are concerned. Neighbors will identify issues, issues that we've spent time addressing as well and will be thoroughly addressed in the EIR," Ryan said. "It was good input. We look forward to answering those questions."

Miller's property, in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains north of Beryl Street, is in unincorporated territory. The project would require the annexation of more than 670 acres into the city.

More than 340 acres, or about half the property, are slated for the Carrari Ranch project. Within the 340 acres, Miller wants to build a cluster of 110 homes on 74 acres.

The current proposal exceeds residential densities permitted by the city's General Plan. Without an amendment, 18 homes would be allowed on the 74 acres.

To build the homes on such steep terrain, the project would require cutting and filling nearly 1.8 million cubic yards of dirt, thus requiring an amendment to the hillside ordinance.