Sensible development isn’t just okay; it’s vitally important

We’re sometimes a little surprised by the fervor of anti-development forces around here. While nobody wants to pave paradise and put up a parking lot, the fact remains that property owners have rights.

Last week, a landowner in Old Agoura was seeking approval to eventually sell eight parcels as home sites. Although the land is inside a Significant Ecological Area (SEA), that alone does not prevent construction. And we’re talking about eight luxury homes, not a major housing project.

Judging by the reaction of anti-development environmentalists, you would have thought the sky was falling.

But the Agoura Hills City Council backed its planning commission and rightfully approved the plan, denying an appeal by Save Open Space.

City councils must be cautious when developer/landowners step forward with proposals that comply with the general plan and meet zoning requirements.

If, for example, you own some prime land, follow the letter of the law and meet the city’s needs and requirements with your plan, you have the right to develop it.

If the city wrongfully denies your plan, you also have the right to sue and probably for an enormous sum. That’s the law.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Properly planned development will generate revenue that can be spent on roads, parks and libraries.

Developers are not necessarily monsters.

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