CANOGA PARK : Deaths May Put Hold on Business Dispute

The deaths of three Agoura Hills siblings in a plane crash Sunday in Lancaster has put a heated battle over the family’s business--a Canoga Park recycling firm--in limbo.

The crash that killed Oren, 27; Alon, 21, and Taji Amrani, 16, all children of Aria Amrani, owner of Universal Recycling, occurred just before the city Board of Zoning Appeals issued a decision allowing the family business to continue. Neighbors have appealed that ruling to the City Council.

Neighbors have been trying to shut down the business for several months, complaining that dust, rodents and breaking glass are a nuisance.

But Michael Sausser, a consultant for the Amrani family, said Friday that he will request that the case be put on hold to give Aria (Eric) Amrani and his wife, Madeline, time to deal with the deaths of their children, who died with three others when their twin-engine plane nose-dived into the ground, apparently because of lack of fuel.

Amrani was with his wife Friday in Israel, where their children are to be buried. Aria’s brother, Ami Amrani, said Aria may consider selling the business and returning to Israel.