Recreation Facility OK Appealed

A group has appealed a Planning Commission decision to allow batting cages to open in the south-central part of town.

Ten Investments Corp. proposes to build a facility with indoor batting cages, a soccer field, food court, arcade and meeting facility on vacant property at 1370 S. Euclid St.

The La Habra Gables Homeowners’ Assn., which represents 107 townhomes, filed the appeal, expressing concern that the business would create higher noise levels, increase traffic congestion, trash, debris and visits by “undesirables.”

The City Council will consider the appeal at a meeting next month and decide whether to overturn the commission’s action.

Planning Commissioner Mark Handler said he voted for the facility because “everyone has been fighting for something for the kids to do. There is no other facility like this in or around the vicinity.”

“It will help with our tax-revenue base,” he said, “and it can’t hurt with our kids.”

Opponents met with officials from Ten Investments Corp. Monday to voice their concerns.

Wanda M. Erdman of La Habra Gables Homeowners’ Assn. said her group and the firm are working on a plan that would include installing high fences around the facility, mounting security cameras in the parking lot and keeping bright lights from shining into residential areas.

City Council members will hear the appeal March 7.