Plan to Further Protect Ecological Sites Praised
A proposal to strengthen protection of Los Angeles County’s Significant Ecological Areas got a largely favorable response at a public hearing Thursday, but the session was continued until Monday to allow more people to speak.
The hearing before the Regional Planning Commission will resume at 10 a.m. Monday in the county Hall of Records, officials said.
The proposal by Supervisor Ed Edelman is aimed at increasing scrutiny over development within the 61 Significant Ecological Areas designated in the county 1980 General Plan. Some of the ecological areas are within municipal boundaries and beyond county control, but Edelman’s proposal would require closer review of projects within those ecological areas that are in unincorporated areas.
Nearly half of the ecological areas are in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.
About 20 people testified during the three-hour hearing Thursday, with those favoring stronger safeguards outnumbering opponents by a wide margin.
The Planning Commission could vote on the proposal Monday after the hearing concludes. However, the commission vote will be advisory, with county supervisors ultimately deciding the issue.
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