L.A. to Drop Legal Action if Ahmanson Project Is Scrapped

Seeking to add momentum to efforts to preserve the Ahmanson Ranch property as open space, Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn signed a motion Tuesday that would drop a city lawsuit against the property’s owner if a proposed housing development is scrapped.

Hahn and City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo said they hope the motion, previously approved by the City Council, will encourage negotiations in which the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is trying to buy the 2,800 acres from landowner Washington Mutual.

The company has proposed building 3,050 homes on the site. The property is in Ventura County, but adjacent to the west San Fernando Valley.

“The city of Los Angeles has remained committed to protecting the quality of life for West Valley residents and protecting precious open space,” Hahn said.

“This is a great day for our West Valley neighborhoods.”