Irvine Citizens Voice Division on Freeway Fee

Nearly 400 Irvine residents--divided in their views over three proposed freeways that would run through the city --turned out at the Irvine City Council meeting Tuesday night but went away with the matter unresolved.

The council was asked to endorse an Orange County Transportation Commission plan to finance the San Joaquin Hills, Foothill and Eastern freeways by imposing fees on developers.

Instead, the council merely listened to testimony well into the night from supporters and opponents of the plan, including Councilman Larry Agran, who asked the council to let residents vote on whether the development fees should be assessed.

Irvine’s support is considered crucial to the program because Irvine land developers would contribute up to $150 million--more than any other community--to the $1-billion freeway project.

Council members said they will review Tuesday night’s testimony and hold another public meeting later to discuss their own views on the county plan before making a decision.