SYLMAR : Panel Delays Decision on 120 Housing Units

The Los Angeles Planning Commission has put off a decision on two Sylmar condominium proposals until a developer meets with neighborhood protesters to work out differences over the projects.

Developer-attorney Mark Armbruster of Bel-Air and a group of nearly 50 equestrians and homeowners have until the Dec. 9 meeting to try to find a compromise over a 36-unit single-family home proposal on Dronfield Avenue between Taylor and Bledsoe streets, and an 84-unit duplex and triplex development proposed for Foothill Boulevard east of Glenoaks Boulevard.

Both would require changes to denser “condominium” zoning in an area zoned for equestrian uses and spacious residential lots.

“I’m sure we’ll have to give and take,” said Stephanie Goodrich, a horse owner whose property abuts the Foothill Boulevard proposal. “They appeared willing to compromise.”

No date was set for the meetings.

“I’ve always been willing to meet with them,” Armbruster said. “I think this will lead to some productive results.”

Equestrians fear that the added density will shatter their community’s semi-rural atmosphere and endanger an already fragile horse industry in an area that has some of the city’s best access to bridle paths.

A commission hearing officer has recommended denying the proposed zoning changes that would be necessary before the projects can go forward.

Based on the hearing officer’s report and other testimony, the commission will issue a recommendation to the City Council, which will decide the matter.