Plan for Watts Center in Malibu Delayed : Conservancy Delays Plans for Malibu Park Center for Use by Watts Group

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy postponed until June 3 consideration of a plan to build a conference center and lodgings for elderly and handicapped inner-city residents in Malibu Creek State Park.

Controversy has surrounded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee’s plan for use of a six-acre site which includes the park’s Hunter House, built in 1948.

Conservancy director Joe Edmiston said the board has a year to decide the project’s fate before $157,000 in funding for the center will revert to the state’s general fund.

The project, mandated by the Legislature four years ago, requires that the Hunter House and six acres around it be used by the Watts committee. Assemblywoman Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) was instrumental in adding the Watts group to special legislation which also set aside five acres in the area for use by the Malibu Little League.

The June 3 meeting of the conservancy board and its advisory committee will begin at 7 p.m. in the Van Nuys State Building.