Cites Need to Resolve Traffic Problems : Bernson Proposes Development Hiatus

Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson asked city planners Wednesday to delay approval of major building projects in the undeveloped canyons and hills above Granada Hills in his West San Fernando Valley district.

Bernson said he wants to hold up any large-scale construction in the area until planners can develop a traffic improvement plan for the affected area, north of Rinaldi Street between the Aliso Creek and Louise Avenue.

The request, made at Wednesday’s council meeting, was unusual for the pro-development Bernson. But the councilman, up for reelection April 14, is under pressure from constituents to do something about the traffic problems caused by the development of new homes in the canyons and hills above Granada Hills.

Bernson said in an interview that traffic has become heavy on Louise Avenue north of Rinaldi because that is the only way in and out of the new housing tracts. He said he hopes the traffic improvement plan for the area, expected to be completed in six months to a year, will include closing off Louise Avenue and opening up a new road into the new subdivisions by connecting the east-west Sesnon Boulevard to Balboa Boulevard.

Bernson’s proposal, which asks city planners “to minimize the impact of new subdivision growth” in the hills above Granada Hills, will come before the full council for a vote early next week.

Even if the measure is approved, planners will be under no legal obligation to delay approval of or scale back new residential subdivisions, as Bernson has suggested. Bernson said, however, that he believes the planners will follow his request, since he represents the affected area.