Development and Consequences

* Thank you for your excellent article (Nov. 24) and editorial (“Explore the Territory Before Changing the Landscape,” Dec. 1) on the Newhall Ranch project. In addition to the larger issue of whether more urban sprawl is in the best interests of the region, one also ought to consider the consequences of approving such a project without adequate infrastructure.

A few years ago, Newhall Land & Farming Co. (NLF) in pursuing projects shortchanged our schools and libraries in such a manner. Two Superior Court judges found that the county had violated its Development Monitoring System in approving the Westridge and Arbor Park proposals. Your paper editorialized in support of the Westridge project having to pay its own way.

Now NLF is proposing a much larger project in which it still ignores the need for adequate school funding. Consequently, the William S. Hart School District has concluded that, “on the basis described in the [environmental impact report], approval of the project would have a devastating and permanent effect on the quality of life now enjoyed by the present and future residents, voters and taxpayers of the Hart District.”

It is a sad irony that a company that markets its developments as family-friendly would at the same time seek to destroy the very school system that helps it sell homes. A sign should be posted for prospective home buyers looking in the Santa Clarita Valley--caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).

KEITH PRITSKER

Stevenson Ranch

* Your editorial Dec. 1 was completely misguided, at best. The Tujunga Wash no longer “serves as a reminder of what the region looked like before gas stations and mini-malls,” nor does it allow nature to exist “much as it has for thousands of years.” The wash has been a dumping ground for years, with abandoned cars, garbage and, unfortunately, the occasional murder victim. Your paper even featured the wash in an article titled “Awash in Garbage,” Sept. 24.

The wash has been in slow decay for years, and if it were to remain in the current state, it would become nothing more than an urban landfill. The developers have agreed to set aside more than 250 acres as natural habitat and restore the area by removing many non-indigenous plants that have taken root.

If you would do a little research on the project and visit the area, you would see that the golf course would go a long way in helping our community economically and environmentally. The Planning Commission was correct in unanimously approving the Red Tail [Golf and Equestrian Center] because residents and businesses in Sunland-Tujunga and Lake View Terrace overwhelmingly support the project.

KATHY ANTHONY

Sunland

Anthony is president of the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce.