Preservationists Assail Housing Plan

A residential development proposed for a pristine mountain ridge between La Tuna Canyon Road and Foothill Boulevard has drawn fire from a preservationist group.

Canyon Areas Preservation, an environmental watchdog group made up of 60 area homeowners, maintains that Duke Development Co.’s plan to build 41 single-family homes on a 55-acre parcel above the Foothill Freeway would adversely affect the area’s ecology and aesthetics.

“We feel strongly that this project would promote further growth and set a precedent,” group Chairman Charles Kunzi said. “We don’t want them putting up housing tracts and ripping up hills. We are not environmental wackos, but we are concerned about saving the untouched land that we have.”

The area is considered part of the La Tuna Canyon Scenic Corridor, which has strict controls over development outlined in the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills-Lake View Terrace Community Plan. Kunzi said the group is worried the Los Angeles City Council could vote for exceptions to the plan, allowing the project to move forward.

Duke Development must gain council approval for a reduction in lot sizes from about five acres to one-quarter acre and permission for increased grading on the mountain ridge, Kunzi said.

An environmental impact study of the project is now undergoing a public comment period through Nov. 7, Kunzi said. It could be a year before the council votes on the project, he said.

Lawyers for the developer could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

Canyon Areas Preservation has found an ally in Councilman Joel Wachs, who opposes the project because he says it would destroy the area’s unique character. He would like to see the land purchased for open space by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

“We have very serious concerns about the project’s density and the destruction of a natural environment in an area designated as a scenic corridor,” said Arline DeSanctis, Wachs’ chief field deputy.