THE LATEST: Chalk up another victory for San Clemente Citizens for Integrity in Development, the group that successfully challenged the city’s sign exception permit granted to the developer of the outlet mall project at Marblehead. This week, the Orange County Superior Court awarded attorney’s fees and related costs totaling $114,427.44 to SCCID that were racked up during its pursuit of the case. The group was represented by Los Angeles–based environmental attorney Gideon Kracov.
“The court’s decision to award attorney’s fees to San Clemente Citizens for Integrity in Development confirms that our group acted in the public interest as we worked to preserve our town’s character,” says SCCID President Richard Boyer in a formal statement. “The fee award provides our group the resources to continue to function in that capacity.”
The city of San Clemente was the defendant in the case while Villa San Clemente, LLC was named as a Real Party in Interest. Villa San Clemente is owned by Craig Realty Group, which is developing the commercial property and outlet mall project at Marblehead known tentatively as Plaza San Clemente.
WHAT’S NEXT: The city will not appeal the decision, according to City Manager George Scarborough. Scarborough did say that the city expects Craig Realty Group to help pay for the costs. “We expect substantial participation from Craig Realty,” said Scarborough.
FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned.
—Norb Garrett
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