Residents want limited growth




Calabasas residents worried about too much development made themselves heard at a recent city planning commission meeting.

Among the items on the commission’s agenda were two annexation proposals and suggestions for revisions in the building code.

No decisions were made during the Feb. 20 meeting. Maureen Tamuri, community development director, said nothing will be finalized without thorough review by city leaders and the public.

A dozen people expressed concerns that city leaders are making changes that will pave the way for bigger and denser development.

Nancy Rothenberg, president of the Calabasas Highlands Homeowners Association, said the commission’s agenda contained too many open-ended items that might proceed without adequate public input.

Jody Thomas, president of the Old Topanga Homeowners Association, said the changes being considered would promote more commercial development while chipping away at environmental protections. She said the city should strive to protect open spaces and historic and scenic resources.

“The decisions this commission makes shape the future of Calabasas and the legacy we leave behind for our children,” Thomas said.

(I am) “alarmed at the amount of development that we’re proposing and allowing to go on,” Saratoga resident Peter Heumann said. Heumann spoke against a fourstory hotel proposed for a vacant lot at Agoura and Las Virgenes roads.

City Manager Tony Coroalles said the meeting was a study session only. The issues weren’t fully developed and city staff had asked for the commission’s input.

Sylvie Belmond



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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