Walnut Planning Commission Gives Six-Home Development a Green Light

A developer who wants to build six homes on the two vacant parcels near Silver Valley Trail and Cantel Place can move forward with his project but must return to the city to get a permit before removing or relocating any of the protected Walnut trees on the land.

The Walnut Planning Commission Wednesday night voted 3-0 to approve a tentative tract map for the 5.14 acres of land, but not before adding conditions related to construction of a block wall at the end of the cul-de-sac and the hiring of a third-party arborist to evaluate the trees on site.

Commission Chair Tom Sykes was absent. Commissioner Danny Wu recused himself because he lives close to the site.

Residents against the plan expressed environmental concerns, particularly related to owner Han Harijanto's plans to remove three trees as part of his plan. Harijanto said the remaining walnut trees on the land would not need to be relocated or removed because they go around the edge of the project.

Even with the commission reiterating that Harijanto would have to come back for a permit to remove or relocate any trees, homeowners near the project who oppose it said that the city was not doing enough to protect the trees.

"What compelling reasons does the developer have except he wants to squeeze six sites on this property," Carol Coy said. "Do you think mature black walnut trees are going to survive removal?"

Resident Richard Worth said he is concerned about the elevations related to the pads and that lights from cars coming down the street behind his home will be shining their lights in his backyard.

Previous owners had submitted proposals to subdivide the land located southeast of Cantel Place, west of Silver Valley Drive, and north of Cofer Court into eight parcels in 2002 and 2004, but the applications expired both times.

The properties were sold in 2009.

Current owner Harijanto submitted an application to the city to subdivide the lots totaling 5.14 acres into 8 parcels for homes on June 28, 2010.

He withdrew the application in September 2010 and resubmitted it on April 19, 2011 with six parcels instead of eight.

In June 2011, the Walnut City Council authorized the city manager to enter into an agreement with LSA Associates inc for the environmental study related to the project.

Commissioner Waseem Najmi during the discussion of the project suggested that the city make it a condition of approval that the developer pay for an independent arborist so that the analysis of the trees is impartial.

Commission Vice Chair Mark Fernandez said he felt comfortable allowing the project to move forward because of the condition put in place regarding the removal of trees.

"I believe the developer has taken the necessary steps," he said.  "No trees will be removed or relocated until the developer comes in for a permit, and a professional arborist will be brought in at that time. I can't stress that enough.  There is going to be a significant amount of care given to the relocation of those trees."