TOPANGA CANYON : Big Housing Development Plans Pass Key Hurdle
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Nearly 15 years after it began, the longest-running land-use dispute in Los Angeles County history inched forward Wednesday when the Regional Planning Commission approved plans to build 97 luxury homes and a private golf course in upper Topanga Canyon.
Despite the commissioners’ 3-2 vote, plans for Canyon Oaks Estates must be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors, which rejected a similar proposal two years ago and ordered the development redesigned.
Critics vowed to continue their attacks when the project comes before the board. They have said they will sue to block it if it is eventually approved.
“I wouldn’t necessarily call it a setback,” said opponent Susan Petrulas Nissman, co-chair of the Topanga Assn. for a Scenic Community. “This was a dress rehearsal. We always knew we were going before the board.”
Nissman and other opponents contend that the development--which would cover 257 acres in the Summit Valley south of Woodland Hills--will destroy wildlife habitat and harm the water quality in Topanga Creek.
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