Task Force to Prepare Chatsworth Depot Plan

A Los Angeles City Council panel has set up a task force to draft a master plan for developing the 11-acre Chatsworth commuter train station site and an adjacent, privately owned parcel.

The Planning and Land Use Management Committee asked the task force to prepare a blueprint to guide retail and housing development on the site compatible with the surrounding area.

Commuter train service along the rail line between Simi Valley and downtown Los Angeles is set to begin in October, although the Chatsworth station may not be usable by then, according to the Southern California Regional Rail Authority. The site is on the rail line between Lassen and Devonshire streets.

The city and the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission bought the land for use as a station after City Councilman Hal Bernson, who represents the area, stymied Southern Pacific’s plans to build a lumber transfer yard on the site.

To help finance the station, the county commission and Bernson backed a plan to allow some private development of the site, with developers helping pay for construction of the station.

The master plan will provide a blueprint for developing both the station property and an adjoining 19-acre parcel owned by George Moss, a private builder, said Bernson, author of the motion. The master plan task force is to be chaired by William McCarley, the council’s top legislative adviser.

Last week, another council panel approved a plan to spend $700,000 to expedite preparation of the station site for rail passenger use. The money is to be used to fund the construction of lengthy driveways.