Judge Bars Delay for Topanga Canyon Development

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge rejected a request Thursday by two homeowner groups to delay construction of an 83-unit housing tract in Topanga Canyon on the grounds that it would destroy American Indian archeological sites.

Citing the cost of a delay to the developer, Judge John Zebrowski declined to issue a temporary restraining order sought by the Topanga Assn. for a Scenic Community and the Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization, said Rosemary Woodlock, attorney for the two groups.

Despite the judge’s decision and the fact that grading is under way on the property, Woodlock said, her clients will move forward with a Superior Court lawsuit filed Thursday against Los Angeles County. The suit asks that an environmental impact report be undertaken on the project.

Woodlock said Grupe Development, the home builder, has refused to admit outside experts to the property to determine the extent of its archeological significance.

The two homeowner groups have been fighting the proposed 78-acre, gated community on a Topanga Canyon hillside since 1988, claiming that construction of the $500,000 houses will destroy wildlife areas and Indian archeological sites.