The Design Review Board meeting held on July 24, 2025, in Laguna Beach focused on a proposed residential project at 2155 Temple Hills Drive. The meeting highlighted discussions around neighborhood compatibility, view equity, and safety concerns related to pedestrian access.

The project architect presented the design, emphasizing its thoughtful mass and scale in relation to the surrounding large homes. The architect noted that they had engaged with nearby residents, including Valerie, a neighbor who expressed no concerns about the project after a site visit. However, other residents voiced apprehensions regarding potential view obstructions and the overall impact on the neighborhood.

Becky Jones, a resident of San Remo Drive, urged the board to require street and access improvements to enhance pedestrian safety, citing a lack of safe walking options in the area. She also advocated for preserving public views from Temple Hills Drive, suggesting that tall hedges should be reduced to maintain sightlines.

Valerie Van Cleave, another resident, supported the project but raised concerns about the compatibility of proposed sidewalk and curb improvements with the existing neighborhood character. She recalled a previous city plan for sidewalks that was abandoned, questioning the feasibility of piecemeal installations.

Several residents expressed worries about the potential for view obstruction from the new construction, particularly from kitchen and living areas of neighboring homes. One resident highlighted the importance of maintaining view equity, arguing that the proposed design would block significant views of the canyon and ocean.

The board members discussed the proposed driveway access from Temple Hills Drive, weighing safety concerns against the existing traffic patterns. Some members supported the access point, citing improved visibility for vehicles exiting the property, while others questioned whether it would exacerbate congestion.

Ultimately, the board decided to continue the discussion to the next meeting on August 14, 2025, to allow for further consideration of the project details and to draft a resolution that would include conditions regarding hedge heights and asphalt improvements along the property line. The outcome of this meeting will be crucial in determining the future of the proposed development and its impact on the Temple Hills neighborhood.