Dozens of people packed the pews of St. Mel Catholic Church on Friday to advance a plan to stop developers from closing a historic golf course and country club to build nearly 400 homes on the land.
Residents said at Friday’s meeting that their biggest concern is increased traffic congestion in a high fire danger zone.
“I think it will be the death of Woodland Hills if they go through with this project,” said Woodland Hills resident Stephen Scheff.
Built in the 1920s, the club and golf course have been around for generations and are located on 93 acres just east of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south of the 101 Freeway.
The club was sold in 2020 and is owned by Newport Beach-based real estate firm Arrimus Capital.
According to the project’s website, developers plan to close the club and use a 50-acre portion to build 175 single-family homes, 126 apartments and 97 rent-restricted senior housing.
“The fire risks and the changing character of our community,” says Anita Zaccaro. “It’s in a high fire hazard area and there are a lot of units they’re considering putting there. I think it’s way too big for the area.”
The developers filed with the city of LA last month, claiming their efforts will help address the housing crisis. They are seeking approval under AB 2011, a state law that expedites housing permits in commercial corridors by bypassing environmental reviews and public hearings.
“This is not a commercial corridor and as a result it is a misapplication of the law,” said Matt Heisie of the Woodland Hills Neighborhood Collective.
Councilman Bob Blumenfield explains that Governor Newsom recently signed amendments to the bill that redefine what a commercial corridor is: instead of use, it is the width of the street. He claims the developers have lobbied lawmakers in Sacramento to draft amendments to avoid public scrutiny.
“If this moves forward under these state laws, it will never come to a vote before the City Council,” Blumenfield said. “Ultimately, I think this will probably be something that ends up in court.”
Currently, the developer’s application is under review by the city’s planning department.
Blumenfield says he wants to get clarity from the city’s land use attorneys to ensure state law is properly interpreted before the project moves forward.
The developer and project spokesperson did not immediately respond to NBC4’s request for comment.
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