CENTER LOSES ITS FAMOUS NAME STREISAND VOCAL ABOUT USE OF PROPERTY.

Byline: Beth Barrett Staff Writer

Nuptials at The Streisand Center for Conservancy Studies in Malibu just won't have the same celebrity ring anymore.

Instead, couples will be tying the knot in Ramirez Canyon Park.

Chagrined at plans to sharply increase use of the area, Barbra Streisand, in a letter delivered to the California Coastal Commission on Thursday, said she no longer wants her famous name linked to the $15 million rustic estate she donated to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy in 1993.

The commission hearing was the first public outcry from the singer and actress about the conservancy's plans to open the 22 acres to visitors with reservations free of charge and to expand use of the facilities - concerns that put her squarely on the side of Malibu residents fighting the conservancy.

Streisand intended the estate to be used ``to create a small conference center for scientists, academics and environmentalists.''

After initially trying such a venture, the conservancy turned to renting out the estate, with its meadows and gardens, for high-priced weddings, bar mitzvahs, conferences and garden tours. It now is proposing more public access, while continuing the private galas at whatever frequency the environmentally-sensitive setting can withstand.

``I am not in agreement with the proposed use of the land, my name will no longer be affiliated with the property, and I ask you to give every consideration to the concerns of my neighbors and the community,'' Streisand wrote.

A Streisand spokesman said the star ``is making a substantial expression of sympathy with her former neighbors' situation.''

Conservancy executive director Joseph Edmiston called the removal of the Streisand name a ``de minimus concern.''

He said Streisand's gift was generous and appreciated, but that it's now a ``good place to part the way.''

``It's probably a good thing,'' Edmiston said. ``It (the ecological study center) was a good idea and it's too bad it didn't work out. Now we're looking at a park use vs. the more rarefied academic use, which fits more of our profile.''

Edmiston said weddings and other functions did not violate Streisand's memorandum of understanding, because it included a clause stating the estate could be used for all legitimate conservancy purposes. Streisand said she intended it be used strictly for scientific purposes.

Streisand had no interest in having the park named after her, the spokesman said.

Edmiston said the conservancy has done its utmost to be a good neighbor, and suggested Streisand wanted to make a good impression both on the neighbors and city officials, who are considering her permit to build a 6,700-square-foot home at Point Dume. On Monday, she requested a delay in the city process, saying she wanted more time to address neighbors' concerns.

``The only connection between the two is her concern for her neighbors,'' the spokesman said.

The commission delayed until April a decision on the conservancy's permit application, citing lingering concerns over traffic, fire hazards and the center's fragile septic system.

Mindy Sheps, a community resident and attorney, said residents were disappointed the commission did not immediately stop the center's activities, but that they were pleased commission members were taking more time to address their concerns, and might impose stricter use limits.

Sheps said neighbors want a limit placed on the number of cars or vans on the narrow road to the estate, perhaps with a security guard to ensure enforcement.

``The commission encouraged us to seek a settlement,'' Sheps said. ``I could see that if the conservancy would limit the traffic in some way.''

Edmiston said the conservancy is willing to discuss the matter, but wants the city of Malibu also at the table, because it is suing the center over alleged violation of local zoning laws.

``If it's a comprehensive agreement it could be a good thing,'' he said. ``But, what I've heard is they want the Coastal Commission and the Superior Court to take a cut at us.''

Edmiston said the conservancy is addressing all the issues raised under the permit application, including traffic concerns, a fire evacuation plan, the engineering adequacy of a crucial wooden bridge and the fragile septic system.

``On the whole, we're very, very positive,'' Edmiston said.

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Photo: (color) BARBRA STREISAND