Stop the Milani Project

Stop Construction of Milani Project at 18831 Von Karman, Irvine, California, 92612

A Petition presented to the Planning Commission and the City Council of the City of Irvine by residents of the METROPOLITAN, and their supporters, relatives and friends.

One of the primary purposes of zoning is “to prevent new development from interfering with existing uses and/or to preserve the “quality and character” of a community. The charter of a Planning Commission is to “protect, promote and enhance the public health, safety and general welfare of a community”. The proposed Milani Apartment Project will compromise the quality and the character of the immediate neighborhood. Additionally, without additional study and review, it would be irresponsible for the Irvine Planning Commission to approve this project that neither protects nor enhances the quality of life for this community.

Residents of the METROPOLITAN have chosen to live in this condominium community largely because they can live and/or work within close proximity to their residence as well as the location being near the airport and other business services. They require a peaceful and quiet location for their work. Still others have valued the fact that they can walk to their work. The completion of the proposed apartments will bring a fourth high density unit to just one city block in an already congested neighborhood. The new building disrupts the integrity of the neighborhood in that the proposed structure is a full story higher than the existing 3 communities in this block and will cast shadows over once sunny patios and the community common areas always actively utilized for swimming, barbecuing, catering, private parties, relaxing in the Jacuzzi, reading and socializing with friends. The METROPOLITAN has widely attracted families with small children, young professionals, students, corporate executives, elderly and the physically-challenged.

The residents of the METROPOLITAN in Irvine have just endured a period of construction which was noisy, disruptive, and even health-threatening to some vulnerable residents in their neighborhood. Now, yet another developer proposes to demolish the building next door, which is dangerously close to their current homes, to build yet another apartment residence.

Before the city continues with more residential units in this already congested area, it needs to step back and consider the mitigating measures that must happen if residents of the METROPOLITAN and those living in other similar Irvine residences are to enjoy the quality of life that they expected and invested in when they settled in this Irvine neighborhood. Planners and Planning Commissioners must carefully study successful measures in other urban areas that were able to preserve open green space while meeting future housing needs. Irvine needs to seriously explore the ridership incentives, as well as the tax support necessary to design and build a modern system of public transportation that will lessen traffic jams now appearing throughout the city, and especially in the Irvine Business Center.

Other areas of Irvine benefit from the Village System. Where is our Village? Instead of cramming one more high density residential building into this small area, Irvine needs to consider our need for peaceful park facilities with a safe playground area. What we don't need is to have our homes disrupted to the point where we need our neighborhood, once again, to try to find the accessible and quality of life we once had here at the METROPOLITAN.