DWP DELAYS DECISION; INPUT SOUGHT ON RESERVOIR.

Byline: Deborah Sullivan Staff Writer

Citing a need for more public comment, the commission that oversees the city Department of Water and Power delayed a long-awaited vote Tuesday on the future of Chatsworth Reservoir.

The DWP Commission was scheduled to vote on a recommendation to set aside the ``vast majority'' of the 1,300-acre former reservoir property as a nature preserve and affirm that the department ``has not considered and is not now considering any development plans for the Chatsworth Reservoir site.''

DWP General Manager David Freeman asked the board to postpone the decision, saying various groups want a say.

``I don't think there's been an adequate opportunity for people to comment,'' Freeman said.

The commission agreed, putting off a vote until late September, and took public comment on the issue.

Members of the public voiced support for keeping the site as a nature preserve.

Since the recommendation was issued last week, those who favor a nature preserve have been cautiously supportive, saying they back the plan in concept but are wary that the wording might allow for development of sports fields or other facilities in the future.

Others who advocate more sports fields did not address the commission Tuesday but have said they hope a portion of the property might still be used for softball or soccer fields.

Speakers called upon the DWP Commission to provide assurances that the property will be preserved in perpetuity, and wanted to know what amenities would be added, how public access would be provided and what educational programs would take place.

Representatives of public agencies who have proposed partnerships with the DWP to manage the site pitched their proposals.

``Our conservation biologists are prepared to develop an ecological management plan that would protect, maintain and restore native biodiversity for the Chatsworth Reservoir area,'' said Margo Murman, executive officer of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Representatives of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the city Recreation and Parks Department also made pitches.

Mike Greenspan, a North Hollywood resident who volunteers as an umpire for Little League and girls' softball, said there are other areas suitable for sports fields, and that the city should consider designating the reservoir as a regional preserve or regional wilderness.

``If the Valley will one day be the sixth-largest city in the nation, we're not talking about much when we're talking about (setting aside) 1,300 acres,'' he said.

Mati Waiya, executive director of the Native American environmental organization Wishtoyo, said the reservoir houses an ancient Chumash ceremonial site and should be preserved for posterity.

``It's an opportunity for you to make good choices about what we give the children,'' he said.