More homes coming to Orange County! The north Orange County beachside community of Huntington Beach will be seeing new construction in the coming months.  After more than a decade of fighting,Shea Homes has won a battle against environmentalists trying to protect the Bolsa Wetlands from development.  More than 100 homes will be built on the 50 acres north of the Wintersburg Channel on Graham Street. The California Coastal Commission approved Shea Homes’ Parkside Estates project in a 6-2 vote.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Along with single family homes, the plan also includes park space, trails that link to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and 8.5 acres of wetlands for the area. Environmentalists and others against the project highlighted concerns about the adverse effect on the environment at the nearby Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, while supporters said they welcomed the additional flood protection in the area and dedicated restored wetland areas the project would bring.

Either way, Shea Homes has a lot of work to do before any construction on the new development can begin. In fact, a list of 26 conditions, some of which require environmental surveys for the area, have to be met before their permits are issued.  Hopefully both sides will be pleased with the final product of the Commission’s decision.

I consider new construction a positive sign of the Orange County real estate market. New building equals new jobs and an increased housing supply!

For more Orange County real estate news and happenings, follow Cheryl on Twitter @CherylSellsOC or check her out on Facebook at CherylSellsOrangeCounty.

Cheryl Marquis has been an active and successful real estate agent in South Orange County, California for more than 25 years. As a TOP PRODUCER in her company, Cheryl has received the specific accreditation of a Certified Relocation Specialist (CRS) and Accredited Buyers Agent (ABR) and is a member of the Who’s Who of Luxury Real Estate, a select network of the world’s leading luxury home agents. Cheryl is a member of C.A.R. (California Association of Realtors), N.A.R. (National Association of Realtors) and O.C.A.R. (Orange County Association of Realtors). To talk to Cheryl about buying or selling a home in Orange County, call her at 949.683.1501 or visit her online at www.CherylSellsOC.com