Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Santa Clarita Wants Public’s Ideas on Recovery

City officials announced plans Monday for a community survey and a series of hearings to gather public comment on a multimillion dollar recovery plan to be funded by future tax increases.

The council passed Santa Clarita’s sweeping, 30-year Community Recovery Plan for earthquake repairs, disaster preparation, economic development and affordable housing after the Northridge earthquake.

Officials also hope to gather suggestions from the public on additional projects.

Although the council unanimously adopted the $1.1 billion plan in February, officials say it was a draft version and its construction projects are suggestions open to discussion. Some of the projects listed are: earthquake repairs, from public street maintenance to private property damage; future disaster preparation efforts, from road construction to added public transit; and economic development, from downtown revitalization to attracting new jobs. A half-dozen residents complained last month that the plan had been created without input from those it was supposed to help. Some citizens said the plan should focus specifically on the older community of Newhall, and one complained about having his neighborhood described as ‘blighted’ in order to qualify for redevelopment.

“The perception of the community is that we’re rushing headlong into a decision,” said Mayor George Pederson, who joined fellow council members in trying to reassure the public no decisions have been made.

City officials Monday restated their message that the final plan is only now being assembled.

“If we do not have the public’s input and assistance with this, it will fail,” said Gail Foy, city public information officer.

The plan has also been controversial in other quarters. The Castaic Lake Water Agency, a water wholesaler, has sued, saying it will lose revenue if the redevelopment agency is established.

The water agency has claimed the recovery plan goes beyond the normal scope of disaster programs and should be disallowed and forced to adhere to the same environmental reviews as other non-disaster projects.

City officials say the recovery plan is a legitimate response to a disaster and includes projects allowed by state law.

“Where do you draw the line between economic development and redevelopment and earthquake recovery?” said City Manager George Caravalho.

The meetings are scheduled at 7 a.m. Monday and July 11 and at 7:30 p.m. June 27 and July 21, all in the City Hall council chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd.