Northridge Homeowners Appeal Elder Care Project Approval

As promised shortly after the city's zoning department signed off on a proposed 65,797-square-foot elder care facility to be built in Northridge, a nearby homeowners association has filed an appeal to the decision.

The Sherwood Forest Homeowners Association submitted their written appeal earlier this week, stating that Zoning Administrator Fernando Tovar misinterpreted relevant laws and facts in inviting to the neighborhood a development that's too big.

"There is no demonstrable need in this community in particular or in the city in general for this specific facility at this specific location," wrote association President Thomas Bramson in the 20-page appeal, adding: "The construction and operation of the proposed facility will adversely affect neighboring properties and the community in general, and, without good and compelling reason, destroy the lifestyle and quiet enjoyment of surrounding property owners."

Tovar did not return phone calls Thursday for a comment.

Developer Fred Selan trimmed the elder care project's scope by 17,000 square feet to curb concerns about size. The zoning department's determination stipulated that the 122-guest room site, slated to be built at 17531-17545 Parthenia St., must dedicate 75 percent of its beds for assisted living, while the remaining space must accommodate seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Bramson cites in his appeal nearly 10 times he believes zoning violated municipal code guidelines for elder care projects when it came to adversely impacting things like traffic in the adjoining community.

No word yet on when an approval hearing would be held.

The Tarzana-based Community Rights Foundation of Los Angeles and the Tarzana Property Owners Association have also filed appeals in support of the Sherwood Forest Homeowners Association.

All three appeals are attached to this article.

Click here to view the zoning department's determination on the elder care facility.