Developer Takes Over Embattled Golf Project

Hoping to kick-start a troubled project, a new developer has taken over the proposed construction of a $50-million, 18-hole public golf course in the environmentally sensitive Big Tujunga Wash.

David Hueber, former president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit National Golf Foundation, announced Monday that he has signed a long-term lease with a Japanese-owned company to develop and operate the proposed course.

Since 1987, developer Cosmo World Corp. has waged a drawn-out battle with neighbors, the state Department of Fish and Game and the Army Corps of Engineers to build the project.

But due to concerns about damage to the sensitive sage scrub habitat and the tiny endangered spineflower that thrives there, opponents have stubbornly objected to the project.

In hope of winning support for the project, Cosmo modified its plans last year to protect more of the native vegetation by operating under strict environmental guidelines set by the Audubon Society. Under the new plan, the project will not encroach on flood channels and therefore not need the approval of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Under the new agreement, Cosmo retains ownership of the 355 acres in the Big Tujunga Wash but Hueber takes charge of construction and operation of the project there.

Hueber, who heads the Glendale-based Foothills Golf Development Group, has already met with homeowners and elected officials an an effort to win support for the project.

Andrew Baldonado, a spokesman for Foothills Golf Development, said he believes that Hueber will have better luck with the project because he is not tainted with the controversy of past disputes with neighbors.

“This is a new guy and new operators,” he said.

Hueber is also the former CEO of the Ben Hogan Co., which operates courses and manufactures golf equipment.

The new plans and new developer have won over some former opponents.

“The developers have met with us and shown that they are listening to our concerns,” said Nancy Snider, president of the Lake View Terrace Homeowners Assn. “Before they released the plan we met with the architect and they incorporated some of the changes we suggested.”

“Most residents seem to favor the idea,” she added. “More people here want this plan than don’t want it.”

But others are still not sold.

Sandy Hubbard, a member of the Lake View Terrace Improvement Assn., said she still has many concerns about the environmental impacts of the project and believes that there are already enough golf courses in the region.

“We have to balance the impact on the environment and the economic impact,” she said. “Supporting the environment is a better alternative.”

Councilman Joel Wachs, who represents adjacent communities, has not taken a position on the golf course, said Wachs aide Arline Desanctis.

But she said the project still raises many unanswered questions about flooding at the wash, traffic, parking and other impacts.

“This could either be one of the best things or worst things ever to happen in that area,” she said.

Times correspondent Darrell Satzman contributed to this story.