Driver Avenue closure delayed again

The Calabasas City Council has approved a resolution that further delays the longawaited closure of a portion of Driver Avenue. Members of the council also expressed concern that the county wasn't doing enough to facilitate the work.

In 2000, the council approved a resolution to vacate a portion of Driver Avenue between Parkville Road and the western city limits. Council members agreed with staff in determining that the area of Driver Avenue was not necessary for public use, that access to surrounding undeveloped land could be gained by other roads.

According to the original resolution, closing the street will have little impact on the neighborhood, and will relieve the city of the financial burden of maintaining the road.

The project was extended for a year in September 2004 and October 2005 and delayed again by the council's resolution last month.

Councilmember Barry Groveman expressed frustration and said the Los Angeles County staff was responsible for any footdragging.

"Why is it taking them so long?" Groveman said. "What is the problem? . . . . This is ridiculous. I think it's time, this is enough."

Robert Yalda, Calabasas' public works director, defended the county's effort, saying plans were about 95 percent finished.

"It's not a problem," Yalda said. "At this time, we are finalizing the construction drawings. Actually, this is on the fast track, I believe. . . . I've received full cooperation from the county."

Staff members explained that they were in the final stages of work to complete plans for floodcontrol drainage.

But Groveman, who has worked on the project with Mayor Pro Tem James Bozajian, persisted. "We gotta kick them," Groveman said. "This is an impatient thing for me, something that really winds me up.

"We have to put them on a tee, and look at a goal post and bring a big shoe," Groveman added, prompting chuckles.

Yalda argued they were working staff-to-staff on the issue and matters were progressing.

"Why don't you save your kick for the next step," Yalda said. "If I'm not mistaken, we have made a lot of progress."

Groveman insisted on at least listening in at a planned meeting with the county, and planned to attend with Bozajian. "It's been eight years," Bozajian said. "It's just been a tortuous thing."

Yalda predicted that the project could be wrapped up by year's end.

"This will be resolved," Mayor Dennis Washburn said. "It's painful, but there ain't no street going through your neighborhood. Let's keep our eye on the doughnut and not worry so much on the hole."