HB Neighbors

The Appeal to Protect Downtown Presses Ahead

On September 1st, Huntington Beach Neighbors filed an appeal, in its litigation against the City of Huntington Beach, concerning the Downtown Specific Plan update. This lawsuit questions the sufficiency of the Plan’s Environmental Impact Report under the California Environmental Quality Act. The City attempted to stop our appeal so they may proceed unimpeded with the expanded development of Downtown. The court ruled in favor of Huntington Beach Neighbors and supported our rights. David Rice, President of Huntington Beach Neighbors, commented, “Our Board of Directors and our Attorneys are convinced that the trial judge, in ruling for the City, made a number of significant errors.  Our entire set of objections is posted on our website and can be seen by clicking here.  As demonstrated by our appeal, we remain fully committed to going-the-distance in our fight with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life in Downtown. We expect to succeed with this appeal, which should force the City to provide the due process we are entitled to. This process was created to properly inform decision makers with an accurate picture of a plan, along with the goal of protecting the residents, property owners, businesses and the environment.