Hearing on Porter Ranch Proposal Set for April 13

The Los Angeles Planning Commission has canceled a presentation Thursday of a $2-billion development plan for the Porter Ranch area of Chatsworth and has scheduled an April 13 public hearing on it.

A developer wants to build about 3,000 homes and 7.5 million square feet of commercial space on 1,300 acres in the hills north of the Simi Valley Freeway.

The commission must decide on the Porter Ranch proposal before it goes to the City Council later this year.

The Planning Department presentation to the commission was canceled because there would not be enough time at the meeting for public comment, said Nancy Scrivner, an associate city planner.

The department is proposing a specific plan to allow Porter Ranch Development Co., run by Beverly Hills developer Nathan Shapell, to build the project over 20 to 30 years.

The proposal has sparked opposition in the community. The Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce has said the commercial area envisioned would be too large and would generate severe traffic problems.

City Councilman Hal Bernson, who represents the area, has not taken a formal position on the plan, although it was shaped largely by a citizens advisory committee that he appointed.

Earlier this month, Bernson said he believes that the city needs a plan to ensure that the undeveloped Porter Ranch area receives public works improvements. “The difference between what’s going to happen in Porter Ranch and Chatsworth and what’s happening elsewhere is the rest of the city didn’t develop with planning,” Bernson said.

“We’re trying to look ahead and do things with a plan for the area. . . . There are some people who would like to see the area stay the way it was, or go back 20 years. Obviously that’s not going to happen.”

No time has been set for the April 13 hearing, which will be held at the Van Nuys Woman’s Club.