Elyria Canyon Project Wins 1 Battle

Developers of a controversial condominium project proposed for Mount Washington scored an important victory last week when the Los Angeles Planning Commission gave them permission to file for plan amendments and zoning variances that would allow construction of 100 units in Elyria Canyon.

The 35-acre parcel is now zoned for a maximum of 50 units and designated for low-density development, according to the city’s general plan.

A group of local hillside residents went to the Planning Commission hearing last week to protest the development and said they will continue to petition city officials to stop the project. The residents had asked the commission not to allow even the filing of variances by the developer, D. D. & W. Associates of Brea.

Homeowners said they fear that doubling the allowable density would increase traffic beyond the capacity of existing narrow roads, cause safety hazards and burden the area’s already crowded schools.

The planning department will evaluate the proposal and make a recommendation to the Planning Commission. If approved by the commission, the request will go before the City Council for final approval.