Action on Disputed San Fernando Site : Housing Project Gets Green Light

The San Fernando City Council has approved the development of a four-acre tract in the city, permitting construction of housing that has been long stalled by residents’ opposition.

The council voted 3 to 0 to approve a zoning change to permit construction of 28 single-family homes on the Hubbard Street lot.

Development of the site has been debated since 1980, when the council approved plans by Culver City-based developer Goldrich, Kest & Stern to build an apartment development there. The proposed project included some low- and moderate-income housing and was to be partly subsidized by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to City Atty. Robert S. Bower.

The City Council’s decision was overturned the same year, however, after angry homeowners forced a citywide referendum on the issue. The homeowners claimed that high-density apartments would destroy the character of their residential neighborhood.

In 1982, Goldrich, Kest & Stern sued the city in state and federal court, alleging that the project was discriminated against because it was to include low-income housing. The developers lost both cases, but have filed appeals in state courts, Bower said.

In February, Goldrich, Kest & Stern submitted a new proposal to the city, calling for 28 single-family homes on the property.

On Monday night, the council approved a zone change allowing the developer to build the single-family homes on lots as small as 5,000 square feet. Standard residential lots in the city are at least 7,500 square feet, City Administrator Don Penman said.

At a public hearing before the vote, several residents complained that the homes, some of which will be two stories, would block their views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Councilwoman Cam Noltemeyer, whose property abuts the project site, abstained from voting but spoke against the proposal.

Noltemeyer’s active role in the controversy since 1980 helped her win a City Council seat in 1982.