Equestrians Lose Development Fight

A Los Angeles City Council panel on Tuesday recommended approval of a 21-home development in Chatsworth despite strong opposition from neighbors who argued it threatens their equestrian lifestyle.

Encino developer Ted Stein, an influential former chairman of the city Planning Commission, plans to build the homes on 6.7 acres at the northwest corner of Chatsworth Street and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

The council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee recommended a zoning change even though two dozen residents and business leaders spoke against it during the two-hour public hearing at City Hall.

The committee’s chairman, Councilman Hal Bernson, is a friend and political ally of Stein.

Opponents said the gated development, which would average three homes per acre, is incompatible with the surrounding horse-keeping properties that range from three-quarters of an acre to two acres each.