Azusa : 57-Unit Project Approved

The City Council, deciding not to wait for the results of a pending land-use study, has approved a zoning change along San Gabriel Canyon Road to allow a 57-unit condominium project on almost nine acres.

The change was approved 3 to 0 on Monday, with Mayor Eugene F. Moses and Councilman Bruce Latta abstaining because they own property near the site and have a potential conflict of interest.

The project is next to Moses’ Canyon City Ghost Town, the object of a city public-nuisance action. The mayor is negotiating with the city over removal of most of the buildings on his would-be Western theme park.

Councilman Harry L. Stemrich requested a zoning study in January when it was announced that Moses intended to sell his 2.5-acre ghost town, saying the city did not want more multifamily units in the area. The study is pending.

Although the project was labeled a condominium, it actually will have separate units. The single-family homes will be located on small lots, averaging 3,000 square feet, that have common areas, said Roy E. Bruckner, director of community development. The city has no provision for such a development at this time, he said.

Landowners Johnny E. Johnson and the Speckert Trust will sell their parcels to Brea-based D & D Development for the project.

During the meeting, Moses said the zone change violated a standing agreement between property owners that the area was to remain “rustic.” City officials said Azusa was never part of any such private agreement.