Calabasas divided over condos

On Aug. 1, once again Standard Pacific met with Calabasas City Hall to further discuss their 86-unit condo complex along Las Virgenes Road. In a 3-2 vote, our City Council approved of this project, but so did the planning commission and the traffic commission. The planning commission previously voted 50 in favor of the project.

The Westside Coalition, consisting of impacted local residents, homeowners associations, the water district and others, all opposed the project. But city hall was no match for Standard Pacific's ability to get their project approved.

In a fact-finding effort, both Mayor James Bozajian and Mayor Pro Tem Mary Sue Mauer opposed the project. City Council members Jonathan Wolfson, Dennis Washburn and Barry Groveman each voted in favor of more development on the west side of Calabasas.

The Westside Coalition was angry and disappointed in their city's vote to build an apartmentlike complex on the doorsteps of their scenic corridor. But from the beginning, the coalition felt they were not supported by city hall and not given adequate time to express their concerns.

Concerns for the project included an increase in traffic, road widening, noise, dust, vibration, lifestyle impacts, public safety, environmental compliance, ridgeline development, infringements to a scenic corridor and more.

How did this project get so far along and then get approved? If there is any goodness that comes from this decision, it is that the Westside Coalition has a unified voice. And while Standard Pacific will build their project with little concern for our ridgelines, the scenic corridor and impacts to local westside residents, there is comfort in knowing the Westside Coalition tried.

It is too bad when our elected officials, who mostly live on the east side of Calabasas, do not value the westside residents or resources. If the city chooses to ignore the west side of Calabasas with all its natural beauty, then it is high time for Calabasas residents to make a difference in future elections. Bob Robbins Calabasas