Housing Project Blocked

Chatsworth homeowners are cheering a judge’s decision to block a subdivision they say would threaten their neighborhood’s horsy character.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dzintra Janavs agreed Tuesday with the horse-keeping plaintiffs that city planners and the City Council erred when they changed zoning in the area to allow developer Ted Stein’s plan for 21 houses on 6.7 acres. Janavs also agreed that the city had not sufficiently reviewed the environmental impact of the project.

The property at Chatsworth Street and Topanga Canyon Boulevard is part of a horse-keeping area zoned for residential lots no smaller than about a half-acre.

Residents complained that Stein’s project--on land bought from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles--would encroach on their neighborhood’s culture by plopping million-dollar mansions on lots too small to accommodate them. They accused city planners of bowing to the developer because of his position as president of the Airport Commission and his friendship with Councilman Hal Bernson, who represents Chatsworth.

Stein and his attorney could not be reached Thursday.

Beyond objecting to Stein’s plan, residents worried that changing zoning for the project would make it easier for other developers to come into rustic Chatsworth, buy large parcels and divide them for housing.

Janavs’ judgment could halt another project proposed for land across the street from the parcel that Stein was seeking to develop, residents said.

“We welcome development. We just want it to fit with our neighborhoods,” said Susan Eskander, a member of the Chatsworth Land Preservation Assn. who boards horses.

Deputy City Atty. Basia Jankowski said the city has not decided whether to appeal Janavs’ ruling, which the judge will sign in the coming weeks.

Chatsworth homeowners plan to saddle up their horses on Sunday to celebrate the victory.