August 3, 2001
Contact: Babak Naficy: 805-781-9932

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE CENTER FILES SUIT TO ENFORCE LOCAL COASTAL PLAN

GROVER BEACH - Yesterday, the Environmental Defense Center (EDC) filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Northwest Grover Beach Neighborhood Alliance against the City of Grover Beach, challenging the City's approval of the Forde Development project based on inadequate environmental review and violations of the City's Coastal Plan. The proposed project located on Front Street, between Ramone and Newport Avenues, involves the construction of 10 industrial shells along the western edge of Front Street, abutting the Pacific Railroad track right of way.

The lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of the Northwest Grover Beach Neighborhood Alliance, alleges that the City violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by failing to adequately describe the project, or to analyze the potential impacts of the proposed project on traffic, views, and the state's largest Monarch Butterfly over-wintering site at the nearby Pismo State Park. The suit also alleges that the City violated the policies and requirements of the Grover Beach Local Coastal Plan, which is intended to guide the City's approval of development projects in the coastal zone.

"Our goals are to make sure that our coastal resources are not destroyed by development, and that policies that are created through a public process be enforced," said Babak Naficy, Senior Attorney with the Environmental Defense Center.

The Environmental Defense Center is a non-profit environmental law firm dedicated to assist citizen groups in their efforts to ensure state and local officials comply with environmental laws and regulations. The Northwest Grover Beach Neighborhood Alliance is a Grover Beach City group dedicated to protecting coastal resources, and ensuring strict enforcement of environmental laws in Northwest Grover Beach.