Glendale : Canyon Homes Cut to Six

The City Council on Tuesday reduced to six the number of homes that will be permitted in a 10-acre development on a steep hillside in Chevy Chase Canyon near Linda Vista and Dunsmere roads.

Developer Robert H. Smith of La Canada Flintridge had proposed grading seven lots into the hillside for custom-built, single-family homes, plus dedicating another lot as open space along a stream bed.

Some homeowners opposed the development because they said it would destroy the riparian habitat. The Planning Commission earlier this month deadlocked 2-2 on the issue, offering no recommendation to the council.

However, at a hearing Tuesday, a compromise was struck that combines two lots closest to the stream bed on the east side of the canyon into one. The compromise was approved by a 3-1 vote, with Mayor Carl Raggio opposed. Councilwoman Ginger Bremberg, who lives near the site, abstained.