COUNCIL OKS HOUSING PROJECT.

Byline: Naush Boghossian Staff Writer

CASTAIC - The Castaic Town Council has approved a Seal Beach developer's plans for 335 high-end homes on large lots in a Castaic canyon - the community's first large development east of the Golden State Freeway.

The council voted 7-2 Wednesday, with one member absent, to support the Tapia Canyon project, impressed by the developer's cooperation with the council and community to have minimal impact on the environment.

``The reason we feel it is good is the dedication of open space - which is 76 percent of the project - it is low-impact, and it protects the ridgelines,'' said Councilman Bob Lewis.

The master-planned community will include 335 homes in the Castaic Valley on 934 acres, east of Pitchess Detention Center and in the hills north of Tapia Canyon Road and south of Charlie Canyon Road.

The equestrian-oriented development, estimated at $250 million, will be designed to maintain open space and maximize views from residential lots that will range from one-fourth of an acre to more than one acre. And, unlike tract homes that dot the hillsides, this development will be hidden from view.

Planners also have been working with members of the Santa Clarita trails advisory committee and area corrals to create a public and private trail system.

Representatives of the Rancho Valencia Development have said their plan, which is to develop the hillside and not in the canyons, will not disturb the biological environment, including the large oak trees in the canyons.

In other business, the council decided to explore its options after the county Regional Planning Commission tentatively approved Tuesday a 24-hour car and truck wash on Castaic Road south of Parker Road, with only 5th District Commissioner Pat Modugno voting against the project.

The council, which has been opposed to the project, passed a motion that the council president has its support to write a letter of appeal to the county Board of Supervisors if necessary.