'CANYONS' PROPOSAL PROJECTS 10,000 JOBS.

Byline: Cecilia Chan Staff Writer

The builder of a proposed industrial and residential project that could bring up to 10,000 jobs to a canyon north of the Ronald Reagan Freeway expects to submit a detailed development design to the city today.

The proposal by Unocal Land and Development Corp. for The Canyons includes 1,617 homes, a cemetery, offices and industry including research and development and light manufacturing on 2,880 acres.

``I think what we are proposing is a real good mix of housing and industrial,'' said Brian Kelly, Unocal's vice president of land and development. ``We understand that 60 percent of the residents of Simi Valley commute outside of the valley to work.

``This project will create we think somewhere from 7,000 to 10,000 jobs,'' he said. ``The project will create $50 million in (annual) expenditures within the city of Simi for existing businesses and retail, which is a big deal.''

However, city officials have been concerned that the land be developed for jobs.

``I saw some initial drawings and I think they still have some work to do yet,'' Mayor Bill Davis said. ``I want to see at least 20 years of industrial space there and the remainder (for) residential.

``My major concern at this point is to be able to provide location for the jobs,'' he said. ``We are looking for industrial in that area that will carry this city through its needs for the next 20 years.''

The project components include:

--A 347-acre business and high-tech industrial center with an estimated 17-year build out. Proposed ancillary uses include restaurants, hotels and commercial services for employees.

--Four residential villages on 714 acres and a school site.

--A 50-acre cemetery that would have a 100-year capacity for the city.

-- More than 60 percent or 1,723 acres would remain as open space and parks.

Kelly said it'll be two to four years before Unocal is able to break ground on the former oil fields. He said it's too early to do a cost estimate for a project, but estimated costs of ``several hundred million dollars.''

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Map: NEW PROJECT

Unocal Land and Development Corp. proposes a master planned community of residential, commercial, business park and light industrial uses on 2,880 acres on the northwestern boundary of the city of Simi Valley.