In a packed Santa Clarita City Council meeting Tuesday night, tensions ran high as council members voted to approve the highly anticipated and divisive Newhall mixed-use project. 

The decision capped weeks of heated debate at city council, protests, and emotional testimony from residents who either strongly supported or opposed the proposal. 

Mixed-Use Project Approved, with Modifications and Heated Testimony

The Santa Clarita City Council gave the green light to the Serrano Development Group’s proposed Newhall mixed-use building, a project spanning Main Street, Market Street, and Railroad Avenue. 

The vote came after hours of public comment and council deliberation, with Councilmember Jason Gibbs making the motion to approve with several key amendments.

The development includes demolishing the historic Masonic Lodge Courthouse that now houses the “Rafters”  AA chapter, prompting fierce debate over the city’s historical preservation priorities. 

For months, residents and advocacy groups have either protested the project’s impacts at City Council meetings or rallied in support of its potential to revitalize Old Town Newhall.

Developer Jason Tolson from Serrano Development Group told the council the project had received widespread community backing. 

“We come before you this evening with overwhelming support of those most impacted by the construction of this project,” he said. “Thirty-five businesses in the immediate vicinity have submitted letters of support… many are saying they are fighting for their survival.”

The applicant proposed two revisions to the original plan: lowering the proposed historic preservation fee from $750,000 to $300,000 to help fund soundproofing measures for KHTS Radio. Tolson said the radio station withdrew its objection after these sound mitigation measures were negotiated. 

A community member named Glinda spoke in public comment, calling it a “back-door deal,” expressing frustration that a portion of the funds would benefit the radio station directly. 

Tony Maldonado, another speaker, remained neutral on the project but criticized the handling of parking: “The parking situation is not solved. This just kicks the can further down the road.”

Michael Smith, also of the Canyon Theatre Guild, directly addressed Mayor Bill Miranda’s past claim that the developer was “being a good neighbor” by adding over 100 parking spots. “Those are private residential spots. The public loses 73 spaces. That’s not being a good neighbor.”

Supporters, however, emphasized the need for economic growth and housing in the area. 

Lisa Younkin, reading a statement from her husband Robert Younkin, said, “Old Town Newhall means more people living within walking distance of its businesses. This project directly addresses that theme by adding walkable households, something essential to building a thriving Main Street district.”

When speaking about the project, Councilmember Jason Gibbs explained the legal limitations under AB 2097. 

“The law prohibits us from imposing parking minimums when you are within a half mile of a major transit stop,” he said. “Unless we proved a substantial negative impact and notified the applicant within 30 days, we can’t require additional parking.”

He also voiced concern about the preservation process pertaining to the treatment of the Old Courthouse: “Even tonight, I am still bewildered as to the timing of the information that has been provided and the process that was instituted for our staff’s recommendation to grant approval for a demolition permit.” 

He further emphasized the disconnect, adding, “Since we are now being asked to reduce the fee to help the applicant mitigate construction noise issues, and since the building no longer retains historic significance, its demolition should not be tied to a historical preservation fee,” Gibbs said.

Santa Clarita City Council May 14, 2025 (Sophia Lesseos)

Gibbs’s motion passed with several conditions:

• The $300,000 preservation fee will instead support the construction of the southern Main Street parking structure.
• Before demolition, the current tenant (Rafters AA) may be allowed sufficient time to remove wood paneling, windows, and flooring at their own expense. The applicant will also provide the resources and support to safely remove and preserve parts of the Masonic Lodge within 30 days. The preserved structures would then be loaded onto a truck that the tenant will provide, who will store and preserve the trusses at their own expense.

Councilmember Marsha McLean abstained, citing long-term vision concerns. 

“We spent decades trying to make Old Town an entertainment district with eclectic small businesses,” McLean said. “I just wish that it would have fit more into the old town that we spent… 25 years planning.”

She also asked that construction crews not park in the north parking structure and requested a shuttle for workers. 

“That garage is already impacted whenever there’s an event down there,” McLean said. “Especially with the farmers market.”

McLean added, “I hope we’re not going to regret this. Be careful what you ask for when building a project of this size.”

Councilmember Patsy Ayala supported the project, but requested that the city work with the Alcoholics Anonymous group ‘Rafters’, which has been displaced by the development, to secure a long-term space after its 36-month lease at the new location expires. She even suggested possibly providing a space at the recently acquired Hart Park.

Mayor Bill Miranda, who voted yes, described the approval as an inevitability. 

“We have a planning staff that has worked with the developer… we have a planning commission that voted unanimously… we don’t really have a choice, do we? Legally, we do not really have a choice but to say yes,” Miranda said.

He doubled down on the challenges of state law: “We have a parking requirement that doesn’t exist thanks to state law,” Miranda said. “We have a historical issue that really doesn’t exist either, because the Historical Society said it doesn’t.”

Everyone except McLean voted to approve Gibbs’ motion with the conditions given to the developer.

Public Comment: E-Bikes, Fireworks, and BESS Opposition

Residents raised a series of concerns during the public participation portion of the meeting:

• Fireworks in Plum Canyon Park: Residents from Saugus pleaded for city intervention, citing years of explosive disturbances near their homes. Speakers accused local authorities of ignoring repeated reports and called for urgent safety measures.
• E-Bike Enforcement: Multiple residents asked the city to regulate e-bikes near the Paseos and trails. City Manager Ken Striplin responded, outlining a three-pronged plan involving education, enforcement, and potential municipal code changes.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Several speakers, including Glinda and Tony Maldonado, continued to oppose the Canyon Country Battery Energy Storage System facility recently approved.

Hart Park Transferred to City Control

Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste announced that the historic William S. Hart Park is now officially under city control, following its transfer from Los Angeles County.

“I am so proud of our city staff and our council for wanting to take on something that is remarkable,” Weste said.

Weste celebrated the site’s future as a community resource, highlighting the mansion’s reopening and opportunities for events. 

First Responder Tribute Project Tabled

Arts and Events Manager Phil Lantis presented a concept to honor first responders with bronze statues at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex. 

While the council generally supported the idea, concerns were raised about the sculpture design templates by McLean stating they didn’t look anything like our first responders.

“It will never be perfect,” Weste said in comment. “The idea isn’t to be perfect. The idea is to respectfully acknowledge that these people save our lives. And that’s what’s really important.”

The council opted to consult the Arts Commission before finalizing the plan.

Developer Fees and Municipal Code Updates Approved

• Fire Protection Developer Fee: Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Spring outlined an increase in the Fire Protection District developer fee from $1.6176 to $1.6710 per sq. ft., effective July 1, 2025. The council approved the increase.
• Municipal Code Amendments: Updates to align with new state laws were unanimously approved. These include:
  • Compliance with AB 2097 (parking study requirements)
  • Revised ADU standards
  • Thrift store zoning adjustments (AB 2632)
  • Public nuisance accountability expansions
  • Clarifications for commercial vehicle storage and accessory structures

Councilmember Weste criticized the limitations placed by AB 2097, warning that the state is prioritizing housing over local control and parking. 

“They’re going to get it (housing), whether we like it or not,” she said. “The state doesn’t care whether you have parking or not. They’re not going to care, and it’s really important that we get a parking structure built and maybe you look at some other vacant lots that are available.”

Looking Ahead

The MetroWalk Specific Plan Amendment (Master Case 24-230) was postponed to discuss at the next city council meeting on May 27. 

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