Fryman Canyon Issue

I have been following the Fryman Canyon travesty and am amazed at how fast, in the heat of pressure on politicians, officials and the developer, the situation has deteriorated beyond rational levels.

While the executive director of the conservancy is reluctant to pay more than the $8.7 million appraised value and the city of Los Angeles is eager to provide the majority of the balance of the funds to meet the developer’s $10.9-million demand, we must keep in mind that the public is about to spend this sum for 31 acres, not 63.

The entire property of 63 acres consists of 32 acres of unique scenic beauty, which the developer has already agreed to dedicate to the public free of charge, and another 31 acres of no particular or singular scenic value upon which the developer intends to build 26 homes.

Furthermore we must keep in mind that it is a 12-foot-wide temporary road through the 32 acres that started the objections, a road which the developer is required to remove, and restore the land to its original condition, before he can obtain Certificates of Occupancy for his homes.

I find it fiscally irresponsible to spend $10.9 million of public funds for 31 not particularly exciting acres just because the public cannot wait a few months for the developer to complete his grading and restoration work.

The conservancy has a long list of far more important lands for purchase which will pay higher dividends to the public and we all can think of a multiplicity of truly urgent projects for the city’s $2 million.

I urge the conservancy and the city to take a close and calculated look before they commit to such enormous funds for buying nothing more than a few months of patience.

GEORGE CALONYANNIDIES

Los Angeles