Council Hears Four Hours of Testimony On Alhambra Highlands Project

The City Council made no decision Wednesday on the , but it did hear four hours of testimony from opponents and a host of experts hired by the applicant – Richfield Development Corp. – to defend the project.

Despite more than two decades of approvals, opposition, changes and public hearings on disposition of housing on the controversial site, even a council decision is not likely to be the final word. It is expected that whichever way the council rules, the issue will ultimately be decided in a courtroom.

There was plenty of testimony from both sides of the issue Wednesday night, but perhaps the newest information came from Ricardo Sabella, president of the company, when he admitted that the project is not likely to generate much in the way of profits for his company.

“We’re not going to make a killing or a reasonable profit,” he said.  “We’re in damage control at this point.”

The proposed development – 110 homes on 72 of 297 acres, with the remainder mostly open space – has cost the company $30 million so far, and will likely cost a total of $114 million before it’s done, or over $1 million for each lot. Homes are planned to sell for an average of $1.25 million.

The project was approved by a in April. The commission majority cited the applicant’s willingness to compromise with concerns over density, open space and tree removal. Four separate appeals were filed on that decision, citing inadequate environmental requirements, tree replacement ratios, slide problems and the public hearing process.

The council also heard from nearby residents and other citizens who oppose the project, as well as from several members of a group attempting to purchase the land for permanent open space. An attorney for Richfield said that no one from the group has yet contacted the company with an interest in buying the land.

Sabella complained that the years-long process and the relentless opposition to his project was “making this a very difficult process.”

“Sometimes I have to remind myself that we’re still in America,” said the Texas resident, “that the free market still rules, and that property rights still have meaning.”

But it was Assistant City Attorney Virginia Nebb and one of the appellants, Richard Pile, who summed up the likely outcome of the entire 25-year saga of this property.

“Any litigation over this project will be extremely expensive,” Nebb said.

“One way or the other, you’re going to court,” Pile told the council.