BALDWIN HILLS : Safety Issues Cited in Hillside Project

A proposed 12-lot development that was initially rejected by the city has won approval on appeal but now faces a final hearing requested by residents who say the project is unsafe.

After being rejected in May by the Planning Commission’s Advisory Agency, developer Shelley McMillan produced a revised grading report to win the commission’s approval on appeal in October.

Residents who oppose the development said they were surprised at the reversal and will argue their case before the Planning and Land Use Committee on Tuesday, and then before the full City Council on Dec. 14.

“We have a lot of major environmental concerns,” said Milton Bassett, a 32-year resident of Baldwin Hills and president of the Don Rodolfo Place block club. “We’re going to make sure the city understands that.”

Bassett circulated a petition, signed by 125 residents, that outlined the group’s objections and filed it with the city this year. Among their concerns are increased traffic congestion, reduced water pressure, land erosion and increased flood potential.

Bassett also said the development violates several covenants and restrictions of the Baldwin Hills Estates Homeowners Assn., such as those covering density and height.

“The covenants are not something that the city will get involved in, but we’re going to bring it to their attention,” he said.

Thomas James, president of the Baldwin Hills Estates Homeowners Assn., agreed with Bassett. “We’re not in favor of this,” he said. “We have to look after the integrity of the (covenants and restrictions). . . . We’re just as determined to fight this as the developers apparently are to develop.”

McMillan and partners Curtis McMillan and Robert Ball could not be reached for comment.

The single-family homes would be priced at $400,000 and average 3,000 square feet. Opponents said they don’t object to the houses per se, but to the density of the project on the steep hillside that would require major land reconfiguration before building could begin.

“It’s a hard call,” said Darryl Fisher, a hearing examiner with the city Planning Commission who denied the developer’s request initially. “It’s going to be extremely expensive to stabilize an unstable slope. But it can be done.”