Development for U2 guitarist gets nod from Conservancy





Local representatives on the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy board are crying foul over the agency’s decision to stay quiet on a controversial plan to build a cluster of mansions in the mountains above Malibu.

David Ross, Thousand Oaks representative to the conservancy’s advisory committee, was one of two board members—the other was Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks—who voted against adopting a neutral stance on the plan.

The issue: U2 guitarist David Evans, also known as The Edge, is pushing to build five mansions on a 156-acre undeveloped ridgeline on Sweetwater Mesa.

While the final decision rests with the California Coastal Commission, the conservancy has been criticized for dropping its oncestrong stance against the homes. In exchange for its decision not to oppose the project, the conservancy stands to reap a benefits package worth $1 million from The Edge if his bid for construction gains approval.

Founded in 1980, the conservancy is a state agency dedicated to acquiring and preserving land in the Santa Susana and Santa Monica Mountains and the Simi Hills for use as open space and public recreation.

The Edge’s offer includes a $750,000 payment to acquire and improve segments of the Coastal Slope Trail, $250,000 worth of trail design services, easements for public use of the trail and conservation easements restricting real estate developments on 97 acres of the rocker’s property, according to a statement from the conservancy.

The package would “secure maximum benefit for the public should the development be approved,” the statement said.

Don Schmitz, a development consultant who represents The Edge, said the project would benefit the public and the conservancy.

“The program . . . will ensure significantly greater public access to natural areas through the linking and development of new coastal hiking trails, dedicate nearly 100 acres of the property owners’ land to open space in perpetuity and provide additional resources for the Conservancy to promote and continue its work to preserve this unique habitat,” Schmitz said in a statement after the conservancy voted.

Some on the conservancy board saw this as an offer they couldn’t refuse, Ross said.

“(Board members) saw this passive stance we were taking as a win-win,” he said, because the agency would potentially receive funds and services for public trails without the burden of deciding whether to approve construction.

The conservancy’s final vote was 3-2, with three board members absent.

“If it were ultimately up to us, what would we be doing? I guarantee you we would have rejected the proposal to build in a very sensitive habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains,” Ross said.

The late April decision to avoid taking a side on the issue was closely split, the conservationist said.

“A lot of people on the board and advisory committee felt that this was the best deal given our situation and circumstances. One of the things the conservancy (does is) complete mountain trails. People travel from all over the world to hike in the Santa Monica Mountains. What we would be getting by taking the silent approach is the ability to continue the Coastal Slope Trail and complete the Master Trail Plan.”

The Coastal Slope Trail runs from Topanga State Park to Leo Carrillo State Park.

Ross said potential damage to the conservancy’s reputation was not discussed.

“We don’t want to be known as the people who take bribes. The conservancy is learning big lessons moving forward,” Ross said. “If we had to (vote) again, I think the outcome would be different.”

Since its establishment, the conservancy has helped preserve more than 60,000 acres of open space in Southern California.

“This is not just about five luxury eco-friendly homes,” Ross said. “What about other proposed developments? Lawyers (proposing building projects) will come with great incentives (for the conservancy) in the future.”

Parks also voted to block The Edge’s bid. She said the board’s vote sends the wrong message.

“(The message is) it’s the amount of money that silences opposition to one of the all-time worst incursions into the Malibu ridgeline.”

Parks said money should not influence the conservancy’s role in protecting nature.

Ultimately it was money, not principles, that swayed the majority vote, Parks said.

“The conservancy members all opposed the project. There’s no doubt in my mind,” Parks said.

Had the conservancy united against The Edge’s project, the impact of its opposition would have made a difference, Parks said.

“ Certainly David Evans thought that the conservancy’s position was significant enough that he was willing to put up the funds,” she said.

The Coastal Commission is expected to make a final ruling by June.

“What we decide as a conservancy does matter,” Ross said. “It will be interesting to see what the Coastal Commission decides and what factors led them to their decision.”



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