Picus to Join Foes of Major Office Project

Woodland Hills homeowners fighting construction of a $150-million office project at the edge of Warner Center have won their most important ally: Los Angeles City Councilwoman Joy Picus.

Developer Jack Spound and an official of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization said Wednesday that Picus informed them she will abandon her 2-year-old stance of neutrality and announce her opposition today to the proposed 22-acre Warner Ridge development.

Both foes and advocates of the project have courted Picus. Both sides have acknowledged that her endorsement is necessary for the project to obtain city zoning and development approval.

Disappointment Told

Spound said he is disappointed by Picus’ decision. He said Picus met with him Tuesday to tell him how she felt.

Spound said his proposed 7-story project has received the backing of many nearby homeowners, including those living closest to the site at the northeast corner of De Soto Avenue and Oxnard Street.

But Picus’ decision was applauded by Robert Gross, vice president of the Woodland Hills homeowners’ group.

Picus could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.