Protecting Park Lands

Recent letters by Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich (March 27) and Paul Pritchard, president of the National Parks and Conservation Assn. (April 10), raise important questions abut the future of the Santa Monica Mountains as an urban recreation area.

The apparent loss of the Renaissance Faire site in Agoura to development is the subject of both letters; as executive director of the agency trying buying the property, I must add my voice to this debate--but it is probably of a different timbre than either of the parties would expect.

Supervisor Antonovich raises an important issue. Bluntly stated, the Constitution says government cannot lower property values with one hand just so the other hand can write a smaller check to buy the land.

Being on the park acquisition list should not guarantee an unzoning for every developer, but it does put a burden on local officials who are sensitive to the Supreme Court’s perceived broadening of “inverse condemnation” liability.

The supervisors followed county counsel’s advice that park acquisition could not be considered when passing on the merits of the project. Whether that advice was good is the subject of a lawsuit. I hope the courts issue a clear ruling soon.

Everybody--the supervisors, the landowners and park supporters--need clear guidelines about what happens when developers and park agencies both vie for the same parcel.

Antonovich’s most persuasive point is the lack of money for parks. Skyrocketing home prices in Southern California guarantee that a bidding war with subdividers is no contest--government just cannot afford to pay top dollar.

There is even a cruel paradox in successful downzonings: In the most scenic spots (which are most needed for parks), very large lot estate homes can fetch almost the same profit as a tract subdivision.

We have learned a hard lesson: By the time a project is through the Planning Commission and before the supervisors, it is too late to attempt park acquisition.

The Conservancy needs a head start to outrun the developer’s bulldozer.

JOSEPH T. EDMISTON

Executive Director

Santa Monica Mountains

Conservancy

Malibu