Opposing Verdugo Hills development

Thank you for covering the story of the Tuna Canyon Detention Station, the World War II temporary detention facility located on what is now the Verdugo Hills Golf Course. I am writing in response to a June 22 article, “Deal reached for golf course.” Those of us who have followed this story applaud the L.A. City Council for voting to recognize the historic significance of the detention station. It should be noted, however, that the campaign for historic recognition for the detention station is a separate issue from community efforts to preserve the Verdugo Hills Golf Course.

Opposition to the proposed 224-unit housing development rests squarely on the negative environmental impact it would have on the immediate area, as well as surrounding communities, from loss of recreation and watershed to increased traffic and greater pressure on local schools. In 2005 the city of Los Angeles approved Canyon Hills’ 223-unit development. The entrance/exit for Canyon Hills will be about a half-mile from the golf course property. Combined, the two developments would add at least 900 vehicles to local surface streets, in particular to the already treacherous Tujunga Canyon Boulevard and the Honolulu/Lowell traffic corridors.

Many of us commented on the Draft Environmental Impact Report in 2009. We are still waiting to see how the developer’s team responds to the questions and concerns we raised four years ago.

Karen Keehne Zimmerman
La Crescenta

Editor’s note: The writer is a member of Volunteers Organized in Conserving the Environment.