Dana Point Park Land May Soon be Sold for Housing

About three acres of land bought for park space just south of the PCH/I-5 junction may be put up for sale following the Tuesday Dana Point City Council meeting.

City staff proposes the 3.24 acre bluff on Via Canon could yield up to 45 housing units if sold.

The acreage was purchased in 1992 for $1.9 million by the Capo Bay Parks & Recreation District. The city assumed possession of the property a year later.

But potential problems with the site have kept it from being developed as a park, including its nearness to the freeway. The steepness of the hilly area would cause vehicle access problems and grading would be expensive, a city staff report concluded.

In addition, the area has been fenced off to fend off homeless encampment.

Contractors have estimated the land is now worth anywhere from $5.3 to $8.5 million.

While private interests could develop the space up to 45 units, the Lighthouse Charitable Foundation has offered to restrict the development to 6 units if its offer is approved.