Seeking New Traffic Study, L.A. May Sue Over Ahmanson Ranch

The Los Angeles City Council authorized its attorneys Wednesday to prepare a lawsuit challenging the Ahmanson Ranch housing development in Ventura County on the grounds that its traffic study is inadequate.

A final vote on whether to proceed with the lawsuit was scheduled for Jan. 7, which gives the Ventura County Board of Supervisors time to act on the environmental study for the 3,050-home project proposed near Calabasas.

Councilman Dennis Zine, who represents much of the west San Fernando Valley, said the $2-billion development will add to traffic congestion on the Ventura Freeway and West Valley streets.

“This particular project is going to be disastrous,” he said.

He said he hopes the council action will serve as a warning to Ventura County officials that Los Angeles is serious in wanting additional environmental study of the development. A representative for Mayor James K. Hahn also said that the mayor supports taking legal action if Ventura County refuses to listen to the city’s concerns.

City transportation officials have concluded that a 1992 environmental study of the project’s effect on traffic is outdated and does not sufficiently address the changed conditions in the area as other development has clogged the freeways.

Los Angeles Deputy City Atty. Keith Pritzker said Ventura County officials have indicated they do not intend to conduct a new traffic study, “which our experts and the county transportation experts feel is necessary to adequately protect the interests of our residents.”

Several residents also told the council Wednesday that traces of the toxic chemical perchlorate found in a well near the development site require additional analysis and testing.

Steve Weston, an attorney for developer Washington Mutual, told the council that the project is “environmentally sensitive” and was praised by many people when it was first approved 10 years ago because it included the donation of 10,000 acres for preservation of open space.

“Ahmanson Ranch has been subjected to the most comprehensive environmental studies of any project in the history of California,” he said, blaming Ventura Freeway congestion on West Valley development approved by Los Angeles.

The attorney said opponents of the project have lost suit after suit. “We don’t need more litigation,” he said. “What we need is a regional housing solution.”

Representatives of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce also voiced support for Ahmanson Ranch, urging the council to help develop a better regional transportation system rather than spend money on another court battle.