Plea by Retiring Chamber of Commerce Chief : Woodland Hills Homeowners Are Urged to Support Light-Rail System

Woodland Hills residents were urged Thursday night to end a feud with business leaders and support a controversial light-rail system for the San Fernando Valley.

Retiring Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce president Raymond Extract told members of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization that their community will strangle if some type of “safe, state-of-the-art” commuter-rail system is not built.

Extract was invited to explain his views because he has been critical of the homeowner group’s opposition to light-rail proposals for the Valley.

Such opposition prompted the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission to vote in November to abruptly halt consideration of any tax-financed light-rail routes through the Valley.

In December, Extract urged 800 members of his Chamber of Commerce to become dues-paying members of the homeowner group to ensure that “they speak for all of us who own homes in Woodland Hills.”

Extract said Thursday night: “I’m concerned about gridlock.” He reminded about 75 people at the meeting at Serrania Avenue Elementary School that many people in Woodland Hills drive to work in downtown Los Angeles.

Extract conceded, “I wouldn’t want it in my back yard either,” referring to the light-rail system. But he challenged homeowners to support a future transportation system that would benefit the Valley without severely intruding on existing neighborhoods.

“There are systems out there that are silent. It doesn’t have to be ugly. We can make it safe,” Extract said. “My appeal is to think positively. We’ve got to have a rail system in the Valley because we need it.”

Extract said that a new coalition, called the Campaign for Valley Transit, is being formed to support what he described as “a state-of-the-art, environmentally sensitive” light-rail system between the East Valley and the Woodland Hills-Canoga Park area.

Although several people in the audience supported what Extract said, others were unconvinced.

“Apartments and condominiums are going up like mushrooms out here,” said homeowner Bob Enevoldsen. “Light rail is just another problem being dumped on us.”

Another resident, Stephen Witkin, said a plan for elevated tracks between White Oak Avenue and Mason Avenue would have a severe impact on area homeowners.

Homeowners organization president Gordon Murley indicated that his group will continue to be skeptical of planning for light rail. He charged that the county transportation commission has failed to study such matters as the potential number of riders in the West Valley adequately.

“Whatever they build, they will have to prove to us that it serves the public,” Murley said. He said that homeowners will support a system that is well-planned and meets future needs.

Ann Fuhrman, treasurer of the homeowners group, said that about six Chamber of Commerce members have joined the 500-household association. Extract said he submitted his $20 membership fee Thursday night.