Dana Point residents push council to reconsider park tree removal

Dana Point residents opposing a proposal to remove nearly 70 mature pine trees from Lantern Bay Park have pushed the city toward revising the project, according to Voice of OC. A public meeting flyer says a City Council subcommittee will recommend keeping all existing trees, though the revised plan remains unclear.

The Marriott-backed proposal would reshape a public park's landscaping and amenities while opening harbor views now blocked by pine canopies. Residents have emphasized the trees' shade, community significance and what they describe as their role in holding soil in place.

The City Council rejected an initial motion to advance the proposal at its Oct. 6 discussion, with three of five members voting against it, Voice of OC reported. The council then formed a subcommittee to hear residents' concerns and work with Marriott on revisions.

Councilmember Jamey Federico and Mayor John Gabbard supported the proposal. Councilmembers Mike Frost, Matthew Pagano and Michael Villar favored revising it and seeking to retain the trees, according to the publication.

The original plan called for removing a Stone pine grove and Torrey pines beside the amphitheater walkway. Voice of OC reported that an arborist recommended removing the two Torrey pines in the poorest condition, while a city staff report described the Stone pine grove as healthy.

Proposed additions include a botanical garden with native plants, lighting and regrading at the amphitheater and new walkways. Roses and crape myrtles would replace pines along the amphitheater walkway. The nearby hotel is undergoing a $60 million renovation; according to the staff report cited by Voice of OC, South Coast Water District installed resort-serving water lines in the park, and Ocean Cliffs agreed to pay for and build park improvements.

Residents organized through Nextdoor, public comments and a Change.org petition. The proposal generated more than 150 public comments, and the petition drew more than 4,000 signatures, Voice of OC reported. Of 75 city survey participants, more than half favored keeping existing landscaping while adding amenities such as shade and seating; only three preferred fewer or smaller trees to preserve harbor views.

A public subcommittee meeting is scheduled for Nov. 1, with the issue set to return to the council Nov. 17, according to Voice of OC. Marriott officials did not return the publication's calls seeking comment.