Slide Fears Delay Ruling on Development : Simi Valley: The Planning Commission wants more information on the proposed project near Whiteface Mountain. Meeting is set for Aug. 25.

Citing concerns about extensive grading of landslide-prone areas and other issues, the Simi Valley Planning Commission has postponed a hearing on a development planned near Whiteface Mountain to give officials more time to review the project.

The commission decided Wednesday to call a special meeting on Aug. 25 to resume the hearing on the project proposed by Los Angeles-based Hermes Development International.

The commission is reviewing the first phase of the development, which calls for two golf courses--one public and one semiprivate--and an extension of Madera Road that will ultimately serve a 360-unit luxury housing development in Dry and Tapo canyons.

The commission directed its staff to gather more information about the grading of unstable slopes to accommodate the golf courses and roadway. The panel also wants more details about the developer’s plans to guard against soil movement.

The project site extends roughly from the north end of Sycamore Drive on the west to Tapo Canyon Road on the east. The state Department of Mines and Geology has identified portions of the project site as having unusually soft and unstable soil that is prone to landslides.

Eric Taylor, a consultant representing Hermes, said the developer has always been aware of the potential for geological problems and will use special grading and compaction techniques to avoid any potential hazards.

The commission also expressed concern Wednesday over the extent to which the public would be allowed to use the semiprivate golf course planned for Dry Canyon. Hermes is now proposing to open up the golf course one day a week to schools and community groups.

Meanwhile, another developer is planning a private community for senior citizens, which would include 1,100 houses and a private golf course, in neighboring Sand Canyon.

Whiteface Project Developers: Los Angeles-based Watt Development and Hermes Development International. Planned: Watt Development proposes to build about 1,000 single family homes for seniors and a private golf course in Sand Canyon. Hermes Development plans to build 80 luxury houses and a semi-private golf course in neighboring Dry Canyon, and 284 homes and a public golf course in Tapo Canyon. Source: Simi Valley Planning Development