Battle over Ahmanson focuses on environmental report

Acorn Staff Writer


Environmental experts say developers of the Ahmanson Ranch project have failed to protect the habitat of two endangered species found living in the development area and that other biological resources at the project site could be threatened as well.


Speaking at a public hearing in Ventura last week, opponents said the developer’s new environmental impact study does not guarantee security for the California red-legged frog and San Fernando Valley spineflower, nor does it accurately address traffic problems stemming from the 3,050-home development.


Ventura County officials called for the supplemental report following the discovery of the frog and flower in 1999. Both rare species were discovered during a developer land survey for the first phase of development.


Another hearing in front of the county’s environmental review panel is scheduled for Wed., May 1.


If the county’s planning commission and board of supervisors give thumbs up on the new environmental study, developer Washington Mutual plans to break ground on Ahmanson Ranch next year. Various state and federal permits are pending as well.


According to David Magney, a spokesman for the California Native Plant Society, the report is flawed because not all of the spineflower habitat was surveyed by the developer’s consultant.


"The preservation area for the San Fernando Valley spineflower is indefensible biologically," Magney said. "It is too small."


Developers proposed setting aside a 330-acre habitat for the spineflower and a 21-acre frog preserve at the site of the ranch, north of Calabasas. The Ventura County development covers 2,800 acres.


County planner Dennis Hawkins said that while the project would result in a "net loss" of plant and wildlife, he pointed out that the developer’s proposed mitigation measures, such as the creation of new wetlands around Las Virgenes Creek, would help.


Regarding traffic, Hawkins said the county’s original 1992 environmental report determined that the 101 Freeway "would achieve failing status with or without the Ahmanson Ranch project."


The development is expected to add more than 40,000 car trips a day to the 101 Freeway and local streets such as Las Virgenes Road, and Thousand Oaks and Victory boulevards.


Magney also said the study fails to consider the impact of new homes and businesses on several species of snakes.


Katherine Stone, attorney for the city of Calabasas, attacked the report on grounds that it ignores important environmental data from sources such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game.


"The conclusion that there will be no impact on the frog and the flower is not supported by any substantial evidence," Stone said.


"You cannot just throw mitigation at the project until you know what the impacts will be," she added.


In addition to homes, the planned residential community would include 400,000 square feet of retail and office space, two golf courses, two schools, a hotel, library and emergency services.


As many supporters came to last week’s hearing as opponents. Those in favor of the project wore bright green stickers that read, "Yes, Build It."


"Ahmanson Ranch is a well-designed project sensitive to the environmental standards of the area," said Nicki Carlsen, Ahmanson Ranch attorney.


"We think the document has solid support."


While the hearing dealt only with the environmental issues, supporters say Ahmanson Ranch provides much needed relief in other areas, such as housing and employment.


Ahmanson would have about 8,500 residents at build-out.





Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *