ECOLOGY GROUP ASSAILS LAWMAKER ON HOME PROJECT.

Byline: Teresa Jimenez Daily News Staff Writer

The activist group SCOPE has asked Los Angeles County planners to disregard Santa Clarita Councilman Frank Ferry's comments last week on a proposed Westridge development, saying he misrepresented the city's stand.

Ferry, who was speaking on behalf of the city at a county Regional Planning Commission meeting Wednesday, said the City Council endorsed the extension of The Old Road, a controversial roadway because it would cut through a centuries-old valley oak savannah.

``Per our last City Council meeting, yes, we are in favor of The Old Road going through,'' Ferry told the commissioners.

His comments triggered a flurry of conversations in the meeting chambers, and have prompted discussion since.

Is the council now in favor of extending The Old Road between Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway? Mayor Jan Heidt and Councilwoman Jill Klajic have rejected that idea.

A letter sent this week by the Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment says Ferry misrepresented the city's true position.

Ferry has pointed to the May 12 council discussion regarding Westridge and support he received from city staff members.

``All five of us said we wanted The Old Road - different paths, maybe avoid trees - but for The Old Road,'' Ferry said. ``I made it very clear to staff what I was going to say. I would not speak about anything contrary to the city position.''

The county regional planning commissioners Aug. 5 took comments from community members opposed to Westridge, a project by The Newhall Land and Farming Company that would include a golf course and 1,712 homes. The project would sit just west of the Golden State Freeway on 800 acres.

The development has faced opposition because a large portion of it lies in a significant ecological area known for its 200- and 300-year-old oaks.

Lengthening The Old Road, in particular, has faced opposition. In December, the City Council unanimously agreed not to include the road extension in its circulation element, a piece of the General Plan that outlines future roads. The area lies in county jurisdiction, however, and the extension is included in its General Plan.

But in May, a council discussion about Westridge took place that blurred the members' positions.

During the discussion, Klajic said she would be open to negotiating with the developer and the county.

``I strongly support no building in the SEA (significant ecological area),'' Klajic said. ``I would probably be able to accept or be talked into the road, to be honest, but not the buildings.''

The answer may come at the Aug. 25 council meeting. Ferry has asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda for clarification.