WOODLAND HILLS—A massive development proposal in Woodland Hills has sparked backlash with residents and developers at odds over the project’s safety and legality. The proposal, known as the 4868 Canoga Avenue project, would convert the Woodland Hills Country Club into a housing complex that includes 175 single-family homes, 126 apartments, and 97 rent-restricted senior homes.
The 398-unit proposal comes from Arrimus Capital, a Newport Beach-based real estate firm, which is attempting to streamline approval under the state law AB 2011 and its amendments under Ab 2243. AB 2011 went into effect in July 2023, allows a development proponent to submit an application for a multifamily housing development that is subject to a streamlined, ministerial approval process and not subject to a conditional use permit if the development satisfies specified objective planning standards. and its amendments under AB 2243.
Bob Blumenfield is the Los Angeles City Councilmember who represents the 3rd District, which includes the site of the 4868 Canoga Avenue project. Blumenfield has not opposed the project outright, but he introduced a motion asking the city attorney and planning department to determine whether the project truly qualifies for streamlined treatment.
He believes the normal review process, which moves from a neighborhood council vote to the planning commission and then to the city council, is being bypassed. Blumenfield has said he expects the issue will ultimately end up in court.
The city has stated that the application was filed on November 25 and is currently on hold for a completeness review under the State Permit Streamlining Act. Officials have not yet commented on the site’s eligibility, given the golf course sits within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Aaron Green, a spokesperson for the developer argued that “the housing is needed.” Green believes a country club is not the best use of land that could otherwise serve the broader Woodland Hills community.
Green also claimed that the 100-year-old, privately owned golf course has been struggling financially, and that the current owners believe housing is the best use of the property going forward.
Residents have formally raised concerns about the safety and legality of the 4868 Canoga Avenue project. Community members have started petitions, held in-person meetings, and spoken with city council members. The councilmember’s office has sent letters to state lawmakers regarding the matter.
One local resident, Maciej Makowiecki, believes the development company’s true motives differ from what it has stated publicly. “They bought something that had a certain purpose, and now they’re trying to change that purpose in pursuit of getting rich,” Makowiecki stated.
He raised concerns about residents’ ability to safely evacuate the area. “You’ve got a thousand cars trying to leave through a single exit,” Makowiecki said. “Already, these streets get backed up at rush hour. To me, this is just lunacy.”
Another local resident, Iris Peretz Muck voiced similar concerns about the project. “My biggest concern is whether a dense housing project at this particular location can be safely supported, especially given wildfire risk, evacuation access, traffic, and earthquake preparedness,” said Muck.
Muck said she is not opposed to the development and believes housing is important and necessary. She questions whether this particular location can support a project of this magnitude. Anyone with questions about the proposal or the location can contact Councilmember Blumenfield’s Planning Director Elizabeth Ene at elizabeth.ene@lacity.org.
