CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Council To Review Buck Gully Erosion Project

Reluctant, disbelieving homeowners along Buck Gully could be jeopardizing an erosion project that city officials think is crucial to protect canyon homes — a problem that will be discussed at a City Council Study Session scheduled for 3 p.m. today.

The city said that unless all 26 affected homeowners grant easements to the city by November, the project will not be able to begin next August. So far, just 10 homeowners have signed off on the project.

Officials fear that while no homes are in immediate danger, a severe storm could create erosion that could be devastating. The problem appears to be the result of developments upstream from the mouth of Buck Gully. The project would add three gabion drop structures — mesh wire baskets with rocks inside — to the flood plain, in the center of the canyon, and move the stream of water away from the slopes; it would also remove non-native vegetation. The city needs temporary and permanent easements from the property owners to construct and maintain the project.

The project would cost about $2 million. The City Council approved $1.2 million for the work from the city’s general fund, and $700,000 came from Prop. 84 funds.

If the homeowners refuse to grant easements, the city will have to decide whether to return the money, shelf the project or come up with some other alternative. City employees have asked homeowners why they won’t grant the easements; the reasons include worries over property values, aesthetics, discomfort over giving rights to the city and a disbelief that the erosion will happen.

The meeting will take place in Council Chambers and is open to the public. To view a presentation on the project, click here.