PROJECT WILL GET SECOND REVIEW STUDIES NEGATE LANDSLIDE THREAT.

Byline: Heather MacDonald Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - The Santa Clarita City Council this week will reconsider the 530-home Golden Valley Ranch development, after several new studies quelled concerns that the land is prone to landslides.

The additional inquiry, conducted by geologist Allan E. Seward, determined that a deep-seated ``mega-landslide'' does not exist underneath the site of the development, planned east of the Antelope Valley Freeway between Golden Valley Road and Placerita Canyon Road.

The council is expected to be sharply divided. While Mayor Frank Ferry, Councilwoman Jo Anne Darcy and Councilman Cameron Smyth have all voiced support for the project, provided there are no geological hazards on the site, Councilman Bob Kellar and Councilwoman Laurene Weste have said the development is too risky because of the historical landslides in the area.

Seward's findings, which were verified by another firm at the council's request, also found that the minor landslides in the area can be corrected by removing some dirt and recompacting the earth.

``There are problems on the site,'' said Allan Cameron, a consultant for developer Pac Sun LLC. ``But they are no different than the problems at any other hillside site in the Santa Clarita Valley, or in Southern California, for that matter.''

The council members rejected the project after opponents told them the area is geologically unstable and unfit for development and the homes would ruin the pristine hills and harm plant and animal life.

Others were concerned that plans for a 600,000-square-foot shopping center would harm businesses along Soledad Canyon Road and hurt the revitalization effort in downtown Newhall.

An economic study conducted by city officials found that the shopping center would generate $1.13 million to $1.16 million in revenue for the city after 10 years.

Businesses that have expressed interest in opening stores in the new center include Kohl's Department Stores, Target, Lowe's Home Improvement, Nordstrom Rack and Old Navy, according to Pac Sun officials.

Proponents of the project have said they are tired of driving to Valencia to shop for necessities such as underwear.

Plans call for the 1,259-acre subdivision, which would designate 140 homes for residents 55 years or older and include a fire station and a 3-acre trailhead park, to be annexed by the city.

In March, the council rejected the development in a 4-1 vote. Only Ferry said the project warranted further study. That decision was reversed in May, after Pac Sun vowed to ask county officials to approve their plans.

Some city officials blamed the council's rejection of Golden Valley Ranch for the Local Agency Formation Commission's denial of the city's bid to expand its sphere of influence.

The project has gone through several incarnations since it was first presented to the City Council. The density has been reduced and several amenities added.

Pac Sun has reached an agreement to build a new 500-student elementary school for the Sulphur Springs School District, which would help relieve overcrowding at schools throughout Canyon Country, officials said. The project is only expected to generate about 170 children.

``We've reached an unprecedented agreement,'' Cameron said. ``It will be a safety valve school for Sulphur Springs forever.''

Pac Sun plans to donate 974 acres of undeveloped land to the city to preserve as open space. That land is worth almost $20 million, according to an appraisal commissioned by the developer, Cameron said.

The company will pay the city $100,000 initially - and $30,000 annually - to maintain the open space. Pac Sun plans to donate another $100,000 upfront - and $20 per year per home - to the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging for senior-related services.