The Road to Hell…
The road to hell is paved with good intentions. This has never been more relevant than in Nicolas Berggruen’s plan to build an institute dedicated to “advancing good governance” on the 450 acres of open space in the former Mission Canyon of Brentwood hills.
Although Mr. Berggruen may think of himself as an environmentalist and philanthropist, he has not shown sensitivity to what he may be destroying in the process. He also needs to understand how this institute may change the quality of life in our community.
The area in question spans from upper Mandeville Canyon to Mountaingate and consist of two ridges: one above Mandeville Canyon and another north to Mountaingate and south to Mount Saint Mary’s University. Much of this area is open space that our community has fought long and hard to protect.
According to agreements between Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), a state agency, and the former owners of Berggruen’s property, these areas cannot be developed. However, the initial plans show encroachment into this land. This area does not belong to a developer, it belongs to the State of California, which is supposed to be holding it in trust for future generations. This precious wilderness houses native plants, coyotes, deer, mountain lions and a myriad of other species.
In 2006. this property received final approval for a 28-home development after litigation against the prior owners, Castle and Cooke. This agreement was recorded, and as such, all rights and restrictions go with the land to the next owner, Mr. Berggruen. However, our first look at the plans for the institute describes a footprint well beyond the allowed 28 home envelope.
The plans call for the construction of 8,000 square foot “cottages” designated to house visiting dignitaries. Several of these are on the hillside above Mandeville Canyon, an area that is already designated a very high fire hazard severity zone. Mandeville cannot accommodate any further development, as its residents have to evacuate down a narrow two-lane road in an emergency. The fire hazard is magnified by the proposed construction of roads on top of a former landfill. The Mission Canyon landfills are closely monitored by the City, but methane leaks have occurred over the years. It would not take much for a spark to fly and set the ridge on fire. Mandeville had a 55-acre fire from a spark in late May.
Most troubling are the plans for the visiting dignitaries to be ferried in and out of by helicopter. Helicopter noise resounds along canyon walls. Can you imagine what our life will be like in Mandeville, Kenter and Bundy canyons as those rotor blades chop at the air? Can you imagine how that might sound to the homeowners at Mountaingate?
One of Brentwood residents’ biggest complaints concern traffic. With its proposed 250-seat auditorium and its parking spaces for 400 cars, this project will hardly be positive for traffic on Sunset, Sepulveda or the 405.
Good governance begins right here. Berggruen should meet with the neighborhood and see what we might want and what we can tolerate. I also call on Councilman Bonin to do what Marvin Braude did when the initial plans for the Getty Center were on the table. He pledged to support the plan only after every homeowner’s group had had a chance to understand the plans and to sign off on them. I hope that Bonin gives us the same consideration.
