Ahmanson Ranch Hearing Planned

A public hearing Saturday on the proposed Ahmanson Ranch development is expected to attract many eager to share their opinions on the controversial project.

The Army Corps of Engineers will consider public testimony in deciding whether to approve the portion of the development that would affect waterways and wetlands, particularly East Las Virgenes Creek.

“We want to get some information from folks to see what’s concerning them,” said Herb Nesmith, spokesman for the corps. “Maybe somebody will bring up a point that’s new to us.”

The corps plans to do an environmental assessment of the project once the Ahmanson Land Co. has responded to comments made at Saturday’s public hearing, Nesmith said. If necessary, a full environmental impact report will also be completed, he said.

Under the proposal, the 2,800-acre development southeast of Simi Valley would include 3,050 homes, about 400,000 square feet of retail and office space, two golf courses and a hotel.

Approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in 1992, the project has met with considerable public protest, allegations of tainted water samples and the discovery of rare plant and animal species on the property. L.A. County residents also have complained the project will drastically increase traffic in neighborhoods and on roadways.

The public hearing will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the new Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas.