Homeowners’ Leader to Run Against Picus : Campaigns: Robert Gross cites L.A. councilwoman’s lack of communication. His bid could pit former allies against each other.

Robert Gross, president of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization, said Tuesday he will challenge Los Angeles City Councilwoman Joy Picus for her seat in the April municipal elections--potentially pitting two former allies against each other.

Gross said he is frustrated with the lack of communication between the councilwoman and her constituents, complaining that Picus frequently fails to warn residents about development proposals or city policies “that could very well impact their quality of life.”

“There has got to be a more ongoing dialogue,” said Gross, who has served on the board of the homeowner organization for six years. “I feel that has been a large shortcoming of the councilwoman.”

Picus, who represents the west San Fernando Valley, said she was not aware of Gross’ political ambitions.

“I anticipated that many people would be in the race,” she said in a prepared statement. “I am a little surprised that someone with whom I have worked so closely would run against me.”

Picus said Tuesday that she has not decided whether to run for the seat she has held for 15 years or to make a mayoral bid.

Gross is the first candidate in the 3rd District to file papers with the city Ethics Commission, allowing him to begin raising campaign funds.

Over several years, Gross and Picus forged a tenuous alliance to protect the residential neighborhoods of Woodland Hills--most noticeably against development in Warner Center and on the Warner Ridge property.

Gross said the city’s failure to scale back the Warner Ridge commercial project was caused, in part, by Picus’ lack of commitment to local residents and her failure to act quickly on the issue.

Picus opposed a commercial project on the site at De Soto Avenue and Oxnard Street under pressure from Gross and his organization. Her opposition prompted a lawsuit by developer Jack Spound, who complained that her actions were guided by politics rather than sound planning principles. Spound won the lawsuit this year and was given permission to build his project.

“My feeling has been for quite some time that had she responded earlier, the outcome could have been quite different,” Gross said, contending that the councilwoman knew early on that residents were opposed to the Warner Ridge project.

Gross said he would continue to serve on the board of the organization and to work with Picus on issues concerning the community.

“I would hope we could maintain a professional relationship,” he said.