New Developer Revises Proposal for Golf Course in Big Tujunga Wash

Hoping to kick-start a troubled project, a new developer has taken over the proposed construction of a $50-million public golf course in the environmentally sensitive Big Tujunga Wash.

David Hueber, former president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit National Golf Foundation, announced Monday that he has signed a long-term lease with a Japanese-owned company to develop and operate the proposed 18-hole course near Lake View Terrace.

Since 1987, developer Cosmo World Corp. has waged a drawn-out battle with neighbors, the state Department of Fish and Game and the Army Corps of Engineers to build the project.

But due to concerns about damage to the sensitive sage scrub habitat and the tiny, endangered spineflower that thrives there, opponents have stubbornly objected.

In hopes of winning support, Cosmo modified its plans last year to protect more of the native vegetation by operating under strict environmental guidelines set by the Audubon Society. Under the new plan, the project would not encroach on flood channels and therefore not need the approval of the Army Corp of Engineers.

Under the new agreement, Cosmo retains ownership of the 355-acre site but Hueber takes charge of construction and operation of the golf project .

Hueber, who heads the Glendale-based Foothills Golf Development Group, has already met with homeowners and elected officials in an effort to win support.

The new plans and new developer have won over some former opponents.

“The developers have met with us and shown that they are listening to our concerns,” said Nancy Snider, president of the Lake View Terrace Homeowners Assn. “Before they released the plan we met with the architect and they incorporated some of the changes we suggested.”

“Most residents seem to favor the idea,” she added. “More people here want this plan than don’t.”

But some are not convinced.

Sandy Hubbard, a member of the Lake View Terrace Improvement Assn., said there are already enough golf courses in the region.

“We have to balance the impact on the environment and the economic impact,” she said. “Supporting the environment is a better alternative.”

Councilman Joel Wachs, who represents adjacent communities, has not taken a position, said Wachs aide Arline Desanctis. But she said the project still raises many unanswered questions.

“This could either be one of the best things or worst things ever to happen in that area,” she said.

Times correspondent Darrell Satzman contributed to this story.