The project, which encompasses some 12,000 acres, will create jobs and have a tremendously positive impact on the local economy. The project will also have a terrific and lasting impact on the local quality of life and on our valley environment.
I have been very enthusiastic about the Newhall Ranch property for quite sometime. The most exciting part of this project, at least for me, is that nearly 60% of the land will remain as permanent open space, including the stunning high country. All this means that much of the local ridgelines will be left intact allowing for the continued spectacular views of the Santa Susana Mountains.
Several months ago I got an opportunity to tour this vast stretch of open area known as Newhall Ranch and it was nothing short of spectacular. The hiking trails I saw that will become a vital part of the local recreation resources were nothing short of magnificent.
I also viewed the more than 160 acres set aside for the endangered “Spineflower” preserve. According to The Free Library; “the Spineflower is a member of the buckwheat family. Within this group, it belongs to a species called chorizanthe, and is only found along the coast of California. It lives in inland soils that are generally dry and sandy and can be found in grasslands. To survive, it needs open habitat.” It was thought extinct since 1929, but has been the center of much attention locally since it was rediscovered more than three years ago.
Personally, I think the Spineflower is a weed; but whatever! It now has it’s own 160 acre estate to frolic in.
I realize that there are folks who do not want this or any other project built locally. Many of them are people that moved in into the Santa Clarita Valley in the past ten or fifteen years and are the “now that I’m here, don’t let anyone else move in” types. Basically they are selfish hypocrites.
If you don’t want any growth whatsoever than you should be looking to live in places like Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska and such which have little to no growth. But if you choose to live in a suburb of one of the largest cities in North America expect there to be development and growth.
That said the Newhall Ranch development is the kind of project that I would like to have next to my community. It is a well thought-out plan that integrates smart environmentally friendly design into the existing topography. It may very well be held up as a model for what I believe responsible master planned communities should be going forward.
I hope that the folks at Newhall land and Farming can showcase this project more to the local populous because it truly is a spectacular plan. They really need to show off a scale model of the property for anyone to grasp the amount of land that will be left as open space in perpetuity. It is just staggering how much will be left untouched!!
My hope is that for those few who object to this project that they do not resort to litigation, which has wasted so much money in the past, but rather open a dialogue with Newhall Land. Most of the company’s employees live and work right here in the Santa Clarita Valley. They have a vested interest in creating a great project, one that everyone can be proud of and will set the bar for others to reach for.
The Newhall Ranch project is in fact a win/win for the Santa Clarita Valley and generations of residents to come. The project is estimated to create upwards of 19,000 local jobs by the time it is completed. Live, Work and Be in SCV!! Phenomenal!
(“Live, Work and Be in SCV “ is copyright Madison Beach Productions 2009)
Dave Bossert- commentary
Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.