AIRPARK GETS NEW OWNER LOCAL PVC PIPE TYCOON TAKES CONTROL OF AGUA DULCE.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

AGUA DULCE - A rural airstrip where attempts to expand operations have caused consternation and conflict in this remote canyon hamlet has a new owner, county officials said Tuesday.

Wayne Spears, a local PVC pipe tycoon and owner of Sylmar-based Spears Manufacturing, is now the lead owner of the Agua Dulce Airpark, said Paul Novak, planning deputy for county Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, whose 5th District includes this town of 4,000 between the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.

Spears took control of the airpark earlier this month, replacing Barry Kirshner, Novak said. Spears' attorney Edwin K. Marzec has called a meeting with county officials, which could take place in the next two weeks.

``When they contacted us about the transfer of ownership, they asked to meet with us,'' Novak said. ``We said, 'Absolutely.'''

``It's in everybody's best interest to resolve the problems at the airpark as soon as possible. We have directed staff to make this a top priority.''

Messages left for Spears and Marzec on Wednesday were not returned.

The stopover for small private planes has been a center of conflict among neighbors. The owners and pilots want the airport to expand, allowing more planes, helicopters, film crews and community playing fields. Others including the Agua Dulce Civic Association want the facility to remain as it was - a rural pit stop for small planes.

``The civic is always looking for some kind of a compromise, and we're very hopeful that this particular owner will work in the best interest of this community,'' said Nancy Young, the civic association's president. The community group founded in 1956 has opposed airport expansion since 1959, when the idea was first proposed by past owners.

It's also an oft-discussed issue at the Agua Dulce Town Council, a county advisory panel with no legislative powers. Two candidates in last month's special town council election who resist airport expansion were attacked in $10,000 newspaper ads paid for by Connie Spears, the new owner's wife.

The county Regional Planning Commission in March considered revoking the airport's permit, but backed off. It is now reviewing the permit as officials attempt to define allowable uses.

``We are encouraging planning to bring a revised staff report back to the Planning Commission as soon as possible,'' Novak said. The decision lies with the panel, which could be appealed to the county Board of Supervisors.

The town council has adopted a neutral position on the airport, though council President Andy Fried hopes Spears would consider the community in his plans.

``Mr. Spears is a very experienced businessman,'' he said. ``He has been extremely successful, and I hope that he can transfer his incredible success to the airport and turn it into something viable that the community can be proud of, and most importantly, make it compatible with the surrounding land uses.''

Eugene Tong, [phone]

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com