WHAT: UCI Design & Construction Services (DC&S) has extended demolition work at the Area 12-1 site, in preparation for the construction of the Area 12 townhomes. They will be removing additional trees and the parking lot closest to East Peltason Drive. The UCI D&CS demolition contractor has installed fencing, which now blocks the sidewalk on the east side of Los Trancos Drive (the west side is open) and the walkway leading to Engineering Gateway. ICHA will update the community on the status of the sidewalk reopening in a future communication.

WHEN: Construction preparation has begun; demolition work is expected to continue for approximately one month.

Work Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: No work

PLEASE USE CAUTION: During the Los Trancos Drive sidewalk closure, please be careful while walking near the site. We recommend that pedestrians cross to the west side of Los Trancos Drive or use other alternative routes if possible. The bike lanes on Los Trancos Drive remain open.

ICHA will place additional detour signs on Los Trancos Drive and other walkways approaching the site.

ABOUT THE TREES: Recently, some residents have asked about the trees located inside the fence perimeter (including the trees in the paseo near Schubert Court condos and the tot lot). From inception, the Area 12-1 plans included the removal of trees located within the construction boundaries. These boundaries expand beyond the Las Lomas Apartments footprint to accommodate additional residences. UCI DC&S and ICHA have maintained throughout the project a commitment to relocating trees if possible. Join the November 30 community meeting to learn more about the Area-12-1 future landscaping plan.

BACKGROUND: Since 2020, UCI DC&S and ICHA have held six online community meetings to explain and answer questions about Area 12 (you can view the meetings at icha.uci.edu/Area12). Additionally, the Homeowners Representative Board has shared community perspectives with the campus via its seat on the UC Irvine Campus Physical and Environmental Committee (CPEC). 

In its approval and support of the 12-1 project, the UC Regents and UCI Leadership believe that the interim loss of trees is more than offset by the ability to house more employees at an attainable price. It should be emphasized that the plan approved by these parties includes tree replacement, especially along the easterly side of the project. Though the trees will not be the same size, within the next decade, the new project will be similarly landscaped.

CONTACT:  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Michael Morrell, UCI Design and Construction Services, at m.morrell@uci.edu. 

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING DEMOLITION: While all efforts will be made to minimize impacts to residents, the following may occur during construction: 

• Heavy equipment
• Noise, dust and vibrations
• Odors
• Increased truck and equipment traffic
• Please stay away from construction areas and equipment to ensure the safety of all residents.

icha.uci.edu

(949) 824-6456

ICHA reserves the right to send to an unsubscribed e-mail certain important communications such as construction notifications or emergencies. The unsubscribed status will be respected for all other communications.