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Hidden Hills Moves Toward OK on Lower-Cost Housing

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

The Hidden Hills Planning Commission on Thursday took the first step toward approving a controversial proposal for lower-cost housing in the gated, wealthy city, in accordance with a Superior Court judge’s order.

The commission, meeting late into the night, recommended by a vote of 4 to 0 that the City Council--which will make the final decision--classify a portion of a newly annexed 25-acre tract as suitable for construction of lower-cost housing.

The commission however, added a message to the council that it is concerned that--despite its recommendation--lower-cost housing may not be an “appropriate” use of the land.

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The commission continued to discuss zoning designations needed for the project.

The proposed project, strongly opposed by some residents, has become the key issue in the upcoming election for City Council seats.

The entire 25-acre proposal is for nine luxury homes, a commercial building and the 48-unit apartment building for senior citizens.

The houses would be built on 21 acres, to be included in the city’s gates and network of private roads. The apartments and commercial building would be on the remaining four acres, which would be outside the gates and road network.

The lower-cost housing portion of the proposal was included in a court settlement entered into last year by the city. To settle a 6-year-old lawsuit over the city’s formation of a redevelopment agency, the city agreed to a settlement calling for the lower-cost housing.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge R. William Schoettler Jr. told city officials this month that he expects them to fulfill the terms of the judgment.

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