UPDATE: The Santa Clarita City Council has just approved a significant new housing development plan in Wiley Canyon, confirming the construction of 232 condominiums and 120 assisted-living units on a former ranch site. This unanimous decision, made on Tuesday, is poised to reshape the community with urgent housing needs and commercial development.
The plan, located between Wiley Canyon Road and Interstate 5, encompasses a 31-acre area that will include a 140,000-square-foot assisted-living facility alongside 9,000 square feet of commercial space. Notably, this project introduces eight accessory dwelling units (ADUs), marking a first in the city’s housing strategy.
Councilwoman Marsha McLean hailed the updated proposal as “a thousand times” better than its initial version. However, she lamented the limited options available to the council due to state mandates that restrict the number of discussions on the project. The Tuesday vote marked the fifth discussion regarding the Wiley Canyon plan, following extensive community feedback and planning commission meetings.
Residents voiced numerous concerns regarding the project’s environmental impact, traffic circulation, and the design of three controversial roundabouts along Wiley Canyon Road. Many expressed feelings of frustration, stating that their appeals appeared predetermined. Nevertheless, proponents argue that the planned traffic improvements could alleviate some issues by providing essential infrastructure, including sidewalks.
Tom Clark, principal of Royal Clark Development, shared his appreciation for the city’s efforts to address community feedback. The proposal reduced the original scope from nearly 600 units and four-story buildings to the current plan, resulting in a 40% reduction in the project’s footprint while retaining off-site improvements.
The approved development includes approximately 3 acres of open space, which will feature recreational amenities such as a community pool, a nearly 2-acre park, and private yards for new homes. This emphasis on open areas is expected to enhance community engagement and provide vital recreational space for residents.
Clark detailed that the outreach process for the project has spanned over six years, beginning with discussions involving more than 100 residents. The extensive feedback has been instrumental in shaping the current proposal, which aims to balance community needs and development goals.
As Santa Clarita faces increasing housing demands, the approval of the Wiley Canyon plan represents a critical step toward providing much-needed residential options. The city is now positioned to move forward with the development, which could significantly impact the local housing market and community dynamics.
Residents and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the project’s implementation, especially regarding how the planned traffic improvements will affect local neighborhoods. The urgency of this development reflects ongoing trends in urban planning and housing solutions across the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the city prepares for the next phases of the Wiley Canyon project.
