Star Wars creator George Lucas strikes back in real estate feud
Date April 20, 2015 - 3:11PM
Josie Ensor
Telegraph, London
Star Wars creator George Lucas. Photo: Getty Images
It is a case of the Star Wars director striking back.
After being denied planning approval for a film studio on his California property following protests by wealthy neighbours, George Lucas has come up with the perfect revenge: new plans for an affordable housing development right in their backyard.
The 70-year-old billionaire applied this week for permission to build 224 units on land next to his home in rural Marin, one of the richest counties in America.
The building plan outlines the construction of 120 two and three-bedroom homes for low-income workers, plus another 104 residences for pensioners.
The project would cost up to $US200 million ($256 million) and cover 52 acres of Mr Lucas's mostly vacant 1,039-acre Grady Ranch estate, not far from his Skywalker Ranch.
By paying all the costs, Mr Lucas cuts through much of the red tape, meaning that the development could be completed by as early as 2018. It also means he has the right to choose who gets to live in the properties.
Members of a nearby residents' association have objected, saying they were concerned that it would lower house prices in the area, which is known for its outstanding natural beauty and views of San Francisco Bay.
They went so far as to accuse the director of trying to "incite class warfare", adding that they now feared an influx of "drugs, crime and low-life".
The feud dates back to 2012, when Mr Lucas's company Lucasfilms was forced to abandon plans to build a studio on his Skywalker Ranch after a bitter battle with neighbours concerned about traffic, light pollution and noise.
Mr Lucas's lawyer insists the news plans are simply a gesture of goodwill.
"He [Mr Lucas] said, 'We've got enough millionaires here. What we need is some houses for regular working people,'" said Gary Giacomini.
