The firm of Victor Gruen and Associates was retained to develop a detailed community plan for the approximately 7,100- acre site. Land sales started to occur in 1961 in Monarch Bay and Laguna Terrace subdivisions. Avco Community Developers, Inc. acquired the Laguna Niguel Plan in 1971 and initiated development as set forth in the original Master Plan. During the early years of development in Laguna Niguel, the Laguna Niguel Homeowners Association, later to become the Laguna Niguel Community Council, served in an advisory capacity to the Orange County Board of Supervisors on land use issues. In 1986, Laguna Niguel residents, looking for local governance, took the first step toward cityhood by forming a Community Services District. Three years later, on November 7, 1989, 89% of the voters favored incorporation and on December 1, 1989, Laguna Niguel became the 29th city in Orange County. 2