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After a five-hour hearing, the California Coastal Commission voted 9-1 Thursday to grant a local coastal development permit to allow Laguna Beach resident Mark Christy to continue renovation of The Ranch, a neglected hotel and golf course in Aliso Canyon.

As one of the conditions of the agreement, Christy agreed to dedicate a floating easement for a public trail along the north side of the property and to a pay $250,000 towards a consultant and eventual development of the trail that would connect a wilderness park to the ocean, something long-sought by open-space advocates. He also agreed to host at least a dozen overnight outings for underprivileged youth annually at the former scout camp at the rear of the property.

Several of the most onerous recommendations of the coastal staff – such as running a shuttle and in-lieu fees of up to $2 million — were nixed by the commissioners.

Christy did agree to other conditions, such as a 65-decibel level for outdoor events, and restoring habitat near the creek within a 25-foot setback from the waterway.

Scores of local residents and the entire City Council and city manager attended the hearing in Santa Monica.

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