On Wednesday, the Santa Clarita Planning Commission’s decision to deny the Sand Canyon Resort project was appealed by the resort’s supporters, seeking an overturn of the Planning Commission’s denial.

The Santa Clarita City Council received an appeal by proponents of the Sand Canyon Resort project, after the Planning Commission rejected the resort proposal on Tuesday.

“We are now on the precipice of being betrayed,” said President of the Sand Canyon Community Association (SCHOA) Ruthann Levison. “If the City were to allow a new owner to ignore the zoning in our area and change any of the open space golf courses to community commercial, that would be a complete betrayal to our community.”

In February, the Sand Canyon Homeowners Association had voted unanimously 16-0 to officially oppose plans for the proposed resort, which would see the existing Sand Canyon Country Club add a three-story hotel with 241 rooms, a wedding hall, restaurants, a minigolf course and other amenities.

The resort project was brought forward by Steven Kim, owner of the Sand Canyon Country Club.

See Related: Santa Clarita Planning Commission Votes To Revisit Sand Canyon Resort Construction

During the Planning Commission’s public discussion and denial of the project on Tuesday, several speakers were first given time to discuss opinions on the resort.

“As usual, Mr. Kim is short on details and quick on presenting ideas and concepts without support with one goal in mind: getting approval of this project,” said Sand Canyon Homeowners Association director Dana Martin.

The meeting also featured comments from Poole Shaffery & Koegle LLP attorney Hunt Braly representing Kim, during which City Council input was brought up.

“I don’t think the individuals who asked for changes in the resolution would be afraid that the City Council is somehow going to support and approve a project without very tough conditions for approval assuming that they will even do that,” Braly said. “We appreciate your input and the community input, and look forward to working now with the City Council to see how this project can be a win-win for Sand Canyon and the City of Santa Clarita.”

Due to public opposition, the resort’s designs were changed to remove several planned elements in an effort to dedicate more open space to the City and save various oak trees on the property, according to City documents.

As a Special Standards District, current zoning requirements state that developments in the resort’s planned area must “maintain, preserve and enhance the rural and equestrian character of Sand Canyon,” according to the City municipal code.

“Now we’re going to the Council and there’s really no significant impact that we haven’t mitigated,” Kim said on the decision to appeal. “I think it’s beautiful land, a beautiful golf course and why not have outside business come in.”

While the design was updated to accommodate certain suggestions, the project was met with public concerns about safety and the effect that rezoning — which would have to occur for the resort to be built — might have on the semi-rural community.

Primary concerns by the community include:

• Disaster evacuation
• Traffic impact
• Allowing a commercial venture in a rural community
• Drought
• Negative impact to local homeowners property values

Due to the above concerns, several Sand Canyon residents created a group opposed to the resort’s construction, known as Stop Sand Canyon Resort.

The Planning Commission’s meeting on Tuesday can be accessed here.

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