Worried about city's development

I'm disturbed by the article in the July 6 edition, "Calabasas growth is scrutinized." If the city staff were to poll its residents, my guess would be that the vast majority feels that the city is already "built out."

I believe that most of us moved out to Calabasas and beyond to escape feeling like we're living in Los Angeles. The purpose of the city's incorporation was to get control of runaway development. Yet it feels like the city is now planning development as if this were a completely urban area. It is not.

The entry to what is supposed to be the Las Virgenes "scenic corridor" has been carved up to accommodate a new housing project and is a complete eyesore. The Standard Pacific project down the road has yet to be built. The Calabasas development director's report shows that the city has room to build an additional 1,900 units? I worry about the direction we are taking.

A couple of years ago the city was pushing for a commercial development on a Las Virgenes property that was zoned hillsidemountainous. Yet when the community supports a couple who are trying to establish a small equestrian facility on the same parcel which is in keeping with the area, the city drags its feet. This is becoming a city that I no longer recognize.

The General Plan states, "Calabasas places a greater priority on protecting the natural environment and the desirability of existing residential neighborhoods than on creating sales tax generating and employment generating uses."

Another portion of the General Plan goes as far as to state, "Calabasas' identity is based on the beauty of its natural environment, rolling hills, oak woodlands, scenic canyons, abundant wildlife and overall rural character."

What happens when our existing neighborhoods aren't as desirable because we've overbuilt the city? The city is supposedly in fine financial shape, so we shouldn't be sacrificing the city's best asset for a few tax dollars. Overdeveloping Calabasas is being incredibly shortsighted. Our property values are consistently high because we've limited development in the past and we have a great school district.

At one of the city council meetings I attended last year, a resident suggested that the council direct the planning staff to attend workshops to reacquaint themselves with the city's General Plan. That sounds like an excellent idea that obviously hasn't been implemented yet. It would certainly benefit the community. Frances Alet Calabasas