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Concerned Shadow Hills Residents:
I have opposed the proposed development at 9945 Wheatland Ave., which consists of 23 residences and three streets, primarily because the development will have a significant impact on our environment and fails to conform to the Shadow Hills Community Plan. Further, the City should follow proper approval procedures and require the developer, California Home Development, LLC, to submit an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The developer has published falsehoods about my motivations for opposing this development, but those who know me know that, contrary to the developer's allegations, I have used a significant amount of my financial resources and time in an attempt to require the City and developer to fairly and properly follow approval procedures. These procedures exist to ensure that all developments are in accordance with the reasons we all chose to purchase homes in Shadow Hills.
The development will have a significant impact on our environment for several reasons, including the following:
The developer will substantially grade the hillsides, eliminating natural slopes and creating dangerous conditions for surrounding residents and their pets. Most of the development will be on the hillside, with cut and fill to 60 feet deep, and 35 and 25 feet wide, respectively. This will destabilize the lateral and subjacent support of the homes that surround the project site. Also, the grading will change the rural character of the horse trails that currently exist.
The project will eliminate the current wildlife on the project site. For example, it will destroy the habitat of the owls, hawks, and cottontail rabbits.
The project will dangerously and negatively impact traffic on Wheatland Ave. and Art Street. The traffic and vehicles associated with the proposed 23 homes will necessarily increase congestion on these streets and will impede the use of these streets by equestrians, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
In addition to Items (1)-(3) above, the development's density fails to conform to our Community Plan. Most of the two-story, 4-bedroom homes will be on lots that are 20,000 square feet. However, at least four of the lots are under 20,000 square feet. The lots should be at least 40,000 square feet because most of the development will be on slopes. Also, three streets will be added within the subdivision. The project will transform the present horse trails because traffic and congestion associated with 23 homes and three streets will replace the dirt roads, as has happened on streets like Sunland Blvd.
The project will destroy over 200 large trees on the site.
The developer's map inaccurately depicts its boundaries.
The City and the developer must follow proper approval procedures. The City should require the developer to provide an EIR because the development will have a significant impact on our unique community. If the City fails to properly determine the development's environmental effects and the development's exact physical boundaries, it places the burden on the current residents to file lawsuits to preserve their legal rights.
Please call me at 353-0688 if you have any questions or would like to get involved.
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