Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Judge Rejects Lawsuit Over Mall : Development: Court rules that the 830,000-square-foot Valencia Marketplace is consistent with county plan and will not create growth problems.

SANTA CLARITA —  A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has rejected a lawsuit that had blocked construction of the 830,000-square-foot Valencia Marketplace west of this city.

The suit alleged that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors failed to hold the project to county guidelines set up to ensure that roads, schools, law enforcement and other public services keep up with new construction in high-growth areas.

Judge Diane Wayne ruled Thursday that the proposed shopping center will generate enough revenue to pay for additional law enforcement costs and actually improve air quality by giving patrons a closer place to shop.

Wayne further ruled that the proposed shopping center, which is to be home to several discount stores and outlets, is consistent with the county’s General Plan and that its environmental documents sufficiently addressed public concerns about the project.

“I’m very disappointed,” said Lynne Plambeck, vice-president of Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment, the citizens’ group that filed the suit. “I just think the courts in Los Angeles aren’t doing much to protect the (environment).”

The organization’s concerns included the removal of 105 oak trees for the project and its proximity to hillsides and Pico Creek.

“I just think it’s a lot to lose for a cheap pair of underwear,” Plambeck said.

The lawsuit’s defeat allows Brentwood-based developer Riley/Pearlman/Mitchell Co. to begin construction of the center, which was approved by county supervisors eight months ago.

The Valencia Marketplace will be the largest shopping complex in the Santa Clarita Valley. In addition to the discount establishments, it will include about 35 smaller retail shops and restaurants. The center will be west of the Golden State Freeway, between McBean Parkway and Pico Canyon Road.

In addition to the developer, the suit was brought against county supervisors and the owner of the land, Newhall Land and Farming Co.

“We’re very pleased that the court validated our position that the marketplace meets all of the county and environmental conditions,” said Marlee Lauffer, Newhall Land spokeswoman.

Riley/Pearlman/Mitchell officials did not return telephone calls seeking comments on the suit’s outcome.

Joining the citizens’ group in the suit were the Lyons Avenue Merchants Assn., representing businesses that fear competition from the center’s large discount stores, and Stevenson Ranch Residents for Responsible Development.

The merchants said the mammoth retail center will draw shoppers away from Santa Clarita, costing the city needed tax revenue.

“It means that the people that are here will be shopping in the county rather than city,” said Steven Jauregui, a member of the merchant association. “It means that the city is being taken advantage of.”

Critics also disputed estimates that the shopping center would generate $3 million for Los Angeles County in sales-tax and property-tax revenues. They said county officials didn’t consider the loss of tax revenue and jobs by existing small businesses.