A vacant site in a Lake Forest neighborhood might become affordable housing after it was designated to become a park decades ago and left undeveloped.
The 6.5-acre site in the Whispering Hills neighborhood was meant to become a park since at least 1999, but the site has remained vacant due to lacking funding for construction and maintenance, city leaders said.
Now officials are taking steps to get an affordable housing project developed on that city-owned site.
While no project plans have been proposed at this time, city staff presented a conceptual design that depicted a portion of the site used for affordable housing with a small park.
During the April 7 meeting, council members directed staff to proceed with two formal processes that would allow the city to declare that the land is surplus and leaders have no plans for development there.
After that, affordable housing developers could step in to propose a project for the site.
Some residents who live in the Whispering Hills neighborhood expressed frustration that the entire site won’t become a park — like it was meant to for years.
“We would like a park there,” said one resident who’s lived near the site since 2019. “We have neighbors that have lived there for over 30 years. They have grandchildren now, and they can’t even take their grandchildren to a park without driving. It’s frustrating that Whispering Hills has donated the property site, and the city has done nothing in almost 30 years.”
“A park would be great,” he said. “No low-income housing or anything like that. I think it’s a waste of time.”
According to state housing income limits, a family of four living in Orange County would be considered low-income if they make less than $135,350 per year.
An Orange County family of four would be considered very-low-income if they make less than $84,600 per year.
City staff said developing affordable housing on this site would help the city comply with state housing mandates.
“In response to ongoing housing needs and State housing requirements, the City is now evaluating a redevelopment concept that would allow for the development of affordable housing on a portion of the site while retaining a park component to continue serving community recreational needs,” reads the staff report for the item included with the meeting agenda.
“This approach is intended to balance the City’s affordable housing objectives and State requirements with the preservation of public open space, consistent with community feedback and prior planning discussions.”
The discussion comes after cities across California filed their annual housing reports to the state, which were due April 1.
In Lake Forest, officials have permitted less than half of their state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation for 2021-2029.
According to the city’s mandated numbers, Lake Forest officials must plan for 3,236 new units.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, the city has permitted 983 new units, according to a staff report from the city council’s March 17 meeting.
“Our city’s motto is: remember the past and challenge the future,” Councilmember Benjamin Yu said at last week’s meeting. “One of our major challenges in the future is affordability in the city. What I see, there are very few pieces of land available for development of affordable housing. This is one of the opportunities we can’t miss.”
Councilmember Scott Voigts said the city has gone back and forth on this site for many years with city leaders considering both soccer fields and a community garden as potential uses at some point along the way.
“This is something that’s been in front of the council many many times,” he said. “There was never any consensus.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to have a park there,” Voigts said.
The city has approved a number of affordable housing projects in the past few years.
Last year, council members unanimously approved a $4.35 million housing loan agreement with National Community Renaissance to create a four-story, 50-unit affordable housing project called Aspan Court.
[Read: Lake Forest Officials Approve Another Affordable Housing Project]
In 2020, the council approved a different project called Mountain View with the same developer, which created 71 affordable units.
[Read: 71-Unit Affordable Housing Project Moving Ahead in Lake Forest]
Rona Henry, representing a local group that advocates for workforce housing known as Welcoming Neighbors Home, stressed the dire need for affordable housing options.
“We’ve been really impressed with all that Lake Forest has done in the area of housing, but much much more affordable housing is needed,” Henry said. “Our young people need more options.”
Mayor Robert Pequeno emphasized city staff need to engage with nearby residents and the community when pursuing designs and plans for the site.
City staff assured there would be many opportunities for public hearings where residents can voice their opinions on potential projects.
Amy Stevens, a 14-year Lake Forest resident and homeowner, said the conceptual project addresses two of the city’s needs.
“I am someone who supports affordable housing and also really values green space, so I see this as a win-win if it is planned correctly,” Stevens said. “I understand the site has been sitting undeveloped for a long time because there was no funding to build and maintain a full park. That makes sense to me, and I appreciate the city looking at creative ways to move something forward instead of letting it sit unused.”
Angelina Hicks is the Voice of OC Collegiate News Service Editor. Contact her at ahicks@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @angelinahicks13.