Planners Reject Industrial Zoning for Sylmar Project

The Los Angeles Planning Commission denied a developer’s request Thursday to put industrial buildings on scenic hillsides in Sylmar as part of a sprawling project billed to become the East San Fernando Valley’s largest business center.

Last month, the Planning Commission approved controversial zoning changes that would allow development of the Sunset Farms Business Park, promoted as the Warner Center of the East Valley.

But the commission left unresolved the development of a northern swath of land that abuts Angeles National Forest and the landmark Los Angeles Aqueduct cascade.

John Symonds, co-owner and developer of the land, requested zone changes to allow manufacturing sites on that strip.

However, the Planning Department staff recommended that the land remain open space because it is scenic, is directly atop several geological faults and would not be accessible enough to firefighters.

The five-member commission agreed with the recommendations Thursday and unanimously denied Symonds’ request.

“The project is still a go,” Symonds said. “It just won’t be as good.”

The previously approved zone changes allow the construction of a hotel, 34 homes and nearly 2 million square feet of industrial space in 45 buildings on 262 acres of rural hillside above the intersection of the Golden State and Foothill freeways.

The project has been opposed by Sylmar residents who live closest to the site. The community plan calls for the construction of single-family homes on large hillside lots.

The zone changes still must be approved by the City Council’s Planning and Environment Committee, the full City Council and Mayor Tom Bradley.

But troubles appear ahead.

East Valley Councilman Ernani Bernardi, who represents Sylmar, is not satisfied with the Planning Commission’s approval of a provision of the development’s plan that deals with traffic.

At issue is the construction of a northbound Golden State Freeway ramp near Balboa Boulevard that neighbors say is necessary to relieve area traffic congestion.

The Planning Commission ordered only that a feasibility study be conducted on whether to build the ramp. Bernardi, however, wants both a study and a decision reached by city planners on the ramp’s construction before the project is given final approval, said Greg Jackson, an aide to the councilman.

“We don’t only want a feasibility study. We want the problem solved,” Jackson said. “Traffic problems are one of the major concerns for the community.”

Symonds said his study will be completed in about three weeks. The development proposal is expected to go to the council committee in about three months.