Homeowners Raise Stink Over Plan

Homeowners in La Tuna Canyon exchanged sometimes raucous questions and complaints Friday with the developer of a proposed equestrian facility in their neighborhood, focusing, among other things, on the issue of horse manure.

According to the site plan filed by property owner Fleming Star LLC, the waste-removal bin would be placed at the front of the property, bordering La Tuna Canyon Road. That’s a problem for the facility’s immediate neighbors, who worry about the smell, flies and noise from trucks arriving to empty the bins.

“Why not move back the bins?” asked resident Carol Fawcett, who lives across La Tuna Canyon Road from the site. “Semi trucks are loud and noisy.”

Lee Ambers, a spokesman for Fleming Star, said the bins would not be closer than 100 to 120 feet from residences.

Fleming Star is requesting a conditional use permit to allow construction of a facility for training and boarding up to 50 horses on the 32-acre site. The plan would include two barns, a 17,600-square-foot covered arena, 1,539-square-foot dwelling and a 33,000-square-foot outdoor arena.

The facilities, including an exercise trail and driveway, would be situated about 30 feet from a few homes’ yards.

Friday’s hearing was ordered by the Sun Valley zoning administrator, who is gathering public comments while considering whether to grant the permit.

During the hearing Ambers introduced a modified plan for the site. It included moving back two pens and adding and enlarging various spaces.

About 40 angry residents demanded that Ambers respond to concerns on such issues as noise, privacy violations and lowered property values. Another issue of concern involved the location of a possible public trail through the property.

Under the current site plan, the trail would run along the property line, bordering the property lines of nearby homes. Residents objected to the prospect of strangers riding horses past their yards.

The trail was suggested by City Councilman Joel Wachs, who thought it would decrease opposition to the project because of his belief the trail would benefit residents. Ambers said the property owner would prefer not to add the trial but is considering its inclusion.

Some residents favor the project, particularly with addition of the trail.

Terry Kaiser, who lives in another canyon, supports the facility with modifications and believes residents would enjoy the trail to the top of the mountains.

“The equestrian way of life is going toward an endangered species,” Kaiser said. “If the equestrian facility will help us hold on, everyone in the area can retain their equestrian way of life.”

The neighborhood’s homeowners’ association, which has about 100 members in an area with about 400 households, also supports the project, with a few modifications.

Ambers maintained that the facility would contribute to the area’s equestrian flavor, even if it boards horses whose owners live outside the neighborhood. “A horse is a horse,” he said.

Residents now have 24 days to make additional statements or complaints before Zoning Administrator Jon Perica makes his decision. Perica said those days also provide an opportunity for residents absent from the meeting to make their opinions known.

Those unhappy with the ruling can appeal the decision. After the meeting’s conclusion, resident Mike Smith said the issue might have to go to court if the residents’ concerns are not mitigated.

“We are going to stick to the case law and zoning codes,” he said. “The other side cannot possibly win if we stick to that in a fair, open forum.”