Deal Near to Develop Large Industrial Site

A deal is near to develop a high-tech manufacturing campus on one of the last, large industrial properties in the San Fernando Valley, city officials said Tuesday.

But the there’s still one hitch confronting the project near Van Nuys Airport: A study must determine that the site, long used for aerospace manufacturing, is free of toxic contamination.

Deputy Mayor Rocky Delgadillo and Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs said they are hopeful that the site survey will clear the property for what already has been dubbed by Wachs as “Son of G.M.,” a reference to the massive redevelopment of the old General Motors plant nearby.

“We are looking at a very, very large industrial development that will be a big boon to the economy of the San Fernando Valley,” Wachs said. “It’s ready to go as soon as they do this study.”

Though not as large as the General Motors site, the 24-acre property at 16555 Saticoy St. is under consideration for a $25-million development that would provide 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and commercial buildings.

The plan is to demolish three vacant buildings on the site, and build five buildings.

Wachs said the project would provide up to 1,200 high-paying jobs in the technology sector.