Sylmar League : Baseball Field Proposal Gets Crucial OK

A Sylmar Independent Baseball League proposal to construct a baseball field complex in Sylmar won support Tuesday from a Los Angeles City Council committee and appears destined for approval by the City Council.

Despite opposition from residents living near the site, the Planning and Environment Committee voted 2 to 0 to uphold a decision that granted the league permission to build eight ball fields with bleachers, dugouts and restrooms, and a 364-space parking lot at 12700 Gridley St.

The committee vote, which upheld a zoning administrator’s decision in March, came after Councilman Ernani Bernardi spoke out in support of the project. Bernardi, whose district includes Sylmar, said the league provides wholesome activity for children, many of whom are underprivileged. The league is made up of 800 youths from Sylmar, Pacoima and San Fernando.

“With all the problems we’re having, it’s hard enough now to keep young people active and engaged in some good sport of some kind,” Bernardi explained later.

Bernardi’s support indicates that the City Council will also rule in favor of the proposal when it goes before the council July 26. Council members customarily defer to colleagues on matters directly affecting their districts.

Two neighbors, who said they represented 200 residents, urged the committee to restrict use of the complex, claiming that it will increase traffic, litter and noise. They also sought to prohibit play on Sundays.

“We hope to preserve a small amount of the peace and tranquility that has been a hallmark of this neighborhood,” said Susan Kacy.

The committee, however, refused to prohibit Sunday play. Bernardi said Sunday is “one of the few days parents who work can attend.”

Committee Chairman Hal Bernson assured residents that conditions have been imposed on the league “to make sure they will be a good neighbor.” Bernardi added that if the league is not a good neighbor, the city can revoke the permit.

The league played at baseball fields at Eldridge Avenue and Hubbard Street until this year, when the property was acquired by Mission College. League games have been played at other area fields this season.