Key Takeaways
- A developer, Arrimus Capital, plans to build nearly 400 homes on a 20-acre section of the Woodland Hills Country Club in Los Angeles.
- Residents are concerned about the high density of the project, citing fire risk, increased traffic, and environmental impact.
- The project would bypass public hearings and environmental reviews under AB 2011 state law, which aims to streamline certain projects.
- Los Angeles Councilman Bob Blumenfield has put in a motion to have the city attorney and planning department analyze the project.
- Residents are vowing to fight the project, citing concerns about the quality of life and the potential risks associated with the development.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Woodland Hills Country Club, a privately-owned golf course in Los Angeles, has been a staple in the community for 100 years. However, the club’s owners, Arrimus Capital, are now looking to develop a 20-acre section of the property into nearly 400 homes, including single-family homes, apartments, and rent-restricted units. This proposal has sparked controversy among residents, who are concerned about the potential risks and impacts of the development. A town hall meeting was held on Friday night, where residents gathered to express their concerns and voice their opposition to the project.
Concerns About Fire Risk and Evacuation
One of the primary concerns among residents is the potential fire risk associated with the development. With only two ways in and out of the neighborhood, residents are worried that the high density of the project would make it difficult for people to evacuate in the event of a big fire. "The biggest concern I have is ingress and egress out of that neighborhood," said Collin St. James, who attended the town hall meeting. "You’ve got approximately 650 homes directly behind the country club. There are only two ways in and out of there." This concern is not unfounded, given the history of wildfires in the area and the potential for devastating consequences.
Environmental and Traffic Concerns
In addition to fire risk, residents are also concerned about the environmental impact of the development. The project would involve the destruction of a significant portion of the golf course, which is currently a green space that provides a habitat for local wildlife. Residents are also worried about the increased traffic that the development would bring, which could lead to congestion and air pollution. These concerns are not only about the immediate impact of the development but also about the long-term effects on the community and the environment.
The Developer’s Perspective
Despite the concerns of residents, the developer, Arrimus Capital, believes that the project is necessary to provide much-needed housing in the area. "The housing is needed," said project spokesperson Aaron Green. "A country club isn’t the best use for what we can serve Woodland Hills." The developer argues that the project would provide jobs and safe housing for people who want to live in the area. Cecilia Linares, a resident of Woodland Hills, agrees with the developer, saying, "If so many of us call Woodland Hills home, we love it here, like why can’t we share that with other people?" However, this perspective is not shared by all residents, who are concerned about the potential risks and impacts of the development.
The Fast-Track Project and Bypassing Public Hearings
The project is being fast-tracked under AB 2011 state law, which aims to streamline certain projects by bypassing public hearings and environmental reviews. This has raised concerns among residents, who feel that their voices are not being heard. Los Angeles Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who represents the city’s 3rd District, which covers Woodland Hills, has put in a motion to have the city attorney and planning department analyze the project. "The way a project works is neighborhood council votes on it, that goes to the planning commission then votes on it, then by the time it gets to me as the councilmember… it’s been vetted multiple times by the community. All of that is taken away," Blumenfield said.
The Future of the Project
The future of the project is uncertain, with residents vowing to fight it any way they can. Blumenfield expects the project to end up in court, given the strong opposition from the community. Residents are concerned about the potential risks and impacts of the development, including fire risk, environmental damage, and decreased quality of life. As the project moves forward, it is likely that the controversy will continue, with residents and the developer engaging in a heated debate about the future of the Woodland Hills Country Club. Ultimately, the outcome of the project will depend on the decisions made by city officials and the courts, but one thing is certain – the community will be watching closely to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.
