DEVELOPMENT PLANS WORRY SOME.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - A developer's plans to build nearly 1,000 homes, condominiums and apartments on an untouched hillside zoned for far fewer dwellings has irked some area residents who fear the project will spoil their suburban refuge and invite unwanted traffic and noise.

The city Planning Commission begins public hearings today on the Keystone project - a 979-unit housing development proposed by Irvine- based developer Synergy Company on more than 246 acres south of Bouquet Canyon and Plum Canyon roads.

Parts of the property were considered by developer G.H. Palmer for an 1,452-unit apartment complex in the early 1990s, but the project met public opposition and was withdrawn.

Synergy's proposal, which requires approval by both the panel and the City Council, includes 96 single-family homes, 667 town houses and 216 apartments. Most of the hilly, scrub-covered property is currently zoned ``Residential Very Low'' - only 78 single-family dwellings are permitted - with nearly four acres tapped for industrial use.

All this seems too much for John Powell, who lives on Ermine Street in a quiet tract just east of the planned development. Currently a cul-de-sac, the street opens into a web of foot trails covering the Keystone property.

``We're not opposed to development,'' said Powell, 41, who is helping to organize his neighbors against the project. ``We're opposed to what they're asking for.'' Powell, who arrived here eight years ago, believes Synergy is asking for too many homes. He also is leery of potential traffic through his residential street, which will extend west into the proposed subdivision before emptying into a planned stretch of Golden Valley Road.

The roadway is part of the city's $245 million Cross Valley Connector, the much-touted 8.5-mile route spanning state Route 126 that the Antelope Valley Freeway backers say will relieve east-west congestion.

Synergy President Rick Doremus dismissed traffic concerns, touting improved mobility and circulation with the connection. The company is contributing some $10 million to a bridge on the route fording the Santa Clara River, along with recreation trails, property for a YMCA center and funds for a new junior high school.

``It does add density,'' he said Monday. ``But the real fear is it will add traffic and cars and affect the quality of life.

``In reality, we generate very little traffic. ... It provides a speedier exit for the residents.''

Though the traffic study performed as part of the project's environmental review won't be available until late June, Doremus claims the development, when completed, will relieve traffic along Plum Canyon Road by 25 percent.

``It's one of the rare instances where you have increased mobility and circulation,'' he said. ``There is a whole public planning process with the Planning Commission and City Council. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss it.''

Still, Powell remains skeptical and wants city planners to consider their side.

``The city only hears the developer side of it,'' he said. ``They need to hear our side of it, and they will.''

Michelle Forletta, 34, an Ermine Street resident for seven years, said she wants planners to reduce the project's size, and restrict her extended road to emergency access only.

``When we bought it, we thought 'oh, cul-de-sac,''' she said. ``We didn't think it was going to be going through. ... We don't want the road to go through.''

Terry Holschuh, who moved to the subdivision four years ago from the San Fernando Valley, wants her neighborhood to remain unchanged.

``As it is, it's so quiet,'' said Holschuh, 37. ``It's pretty upsetting.''

Eugene Tong, [phone]

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com

IF YOU GO

The Santa Clarita Planning Commission meets at 7 tonight at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box, map

Photo:

(color) Josh Forletta, 3, plays as a Power Ranger in his Ermine Street cul-de-sac in Canyon Country.

David Crane/Staff Photographer

Box:

IF YOU GO (see text)

Map:

SYNERGY DEVELOPMENT

Warren Huskey/Staff Artist