Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : County Planning Panel OKs 1,544-Home Project Near Saugus

A 1,544-home project north of Saugus was approved by the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission on Thursday, with the stipulation that a major road extension be built early in the construction process to avoid traffic problems.

The project consists of four housing tracts jointly proposed by Paragon Homes and Davidon Homes on 743.3 acres north of Copper Hill Road.

As a stipulation for approval, Copper Hill Road must be extended to Rye Canyon Road, beyond its present intersection with Seco Canyon Road, before the project’s 301st home is built, relieving concerns by residents over added traffic in the area.

Brian Catalde, vice president of Paragon Homes, said the new restrictions will drive up the cost of the project by at least $1 million.

“We believe that in an effort to try to reach a settlement with all the homeowners, the conditions were put on,” Catalde said. “These are very expensive. We would have preferred not to have these, but that was the decision of the Planning Commission.”

Although nearby residents came away without numerous changes they sought--including 237 fewer homes, no building on primary or secondary ridgelines, less grading and relocation of a donated elementary school site--they say they were satisfied with the outcome.

The project was approved by a 4-0 vote following 3 1/2 hours of testimony.

County Planning Commissioner Rene Santiago attended part of the discussion, but left before the vote.