During its regular meeting Tuesday night, the Santa Clarita City Council approved a number of land swaps related to the Dockweiler Drive Extension Project in Newhall, among other issues.

The land swaps took place between plots of land controlled by the County of Los Angeles and Prostor Land LLC,as well as councilmember Laurene Weste in her capacity as a private citizen.

Weste recused herself from the discussion and decision-making process for the project.

The land swaps were a part of the preliminary project steps to extend Dockweiler Drive and create a bicycle and pedestrian trail, representing a major investment in infrastructure and community connectivity, according to City documents.

Some Placerita Canyon residents spoke out about issues pertaining to the impact of having The Master’s University (TMU) tucked into their neighborhood, including the educational institution buying up property for college students to reside, and traffic concerns pertaining to a planned cathedral and event space.

Linda Townsley, a Placerita Canyon resident, spoke out in favor of the Dockweiler Expansion Project, but noted that she did so to facilitate TMU dorm development.

“TMU has purchased over 20 homes to house students due to the lack of dormitories without any input from the community,” Townsley said. “Put yourself in our shoes. One day you have a family living next door to you, and the next day you have a frat house with approximately 13 young college students.”

During discussion, councilwoman Marsha McLean noted that she “had concerns about the road for many years,” specifically in how it will impact the development and safety of the Placerita community, which was chosen by many residents for its equestrian-friendly development and rural feel.

“While the university is great, and I’m very pleased with it and the students that go there, I think the university is getting way too ambitious with what they are wanting to do,” McLean commented.

McLean also noted that she was concerned about the traffic, air quality and noise impacts that expanding Dockweiler would have on current residences on the street, as well as safety and access at McGrath Elementary School.

The City Council voted to approve the Dockweiler Expansion Project as it was lined out in the agenda with a 3-1 vote, McLean against and Weste recused due to her involvement as a private citizen.

In other business, the Santa Clarita City Council also discussed the naming of open space in honor of longtime resident John Hartigan, who died at 67 earlier this month. A special effects supervisor for Hawaii Five-0, Hartigan had a passion for the film industry and natural spaces in equal turn.

Approximately 169 acres of open space in the “northeast quadrant” of the City  formerly acquired from the Hartigan family will be named in his honor.

“This is a gentleman who had a great deal of heart,” Weste said. “I think it’s just a very emotional and sensitive thing to do for a family that lost a husband, father, grandfather, tragically and quickly, and I think this is something that we should do for him.”

To watch the Nov. 26 Santa Clarita City Council meeting, click here.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10.

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