Panel Delays Ruling on Malibou Lake Project

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors postponed a decision Thursday on a proposed development near Malibou Lake that local residents fear would lead to destruction of their scenic mountain community.

Supervisors asked the residents and developers to try to reach a compromise before the matter is brought back to the board Nov. 1.

The proposal calls for 15 homes to be built on 4.69 acres along Crags Drive, the single road leading into a rugged neighborhood of cabins and fixer-uppers that is surrounded by canyons filled with dry chaparral.

To win approval for the project, the developers would have to build a sewer that residents said would lead to further development of the area. Randy Bendel, president of the Malibu Lakeside Homeowners Assn., said the proposed sewer could accommodate at least 476 homes.

Bendel said an environmental impact report prepared for the project ignored the impact on surrounding homes, including fire dangers and the area’s lack of emergency access.

Arthur Snyder, attorney for developers Donald Haskins and Jack Sloan, said it was apparent that the residents do not want any project, but he agreed to meet with them. Snyder warned that, if the homes aren’t built, other activities that would be more detrimental to the community--including large concerts and weekend equestrian events--could be staged there.

Snyder said developers already have agreed to spend $600,000 for road widening and other improvements.