Public Workshop on Trancas Park Slated for Thursday

• Meeting Has Been Rushed Despite Possible Delay of Council Finalization

A public workshop to explore the possibility of modification to plans approved by the Malibu City Council for Trancas Canyon Park will be hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department on Thursday, April 23, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the council chambers at Malibu City Hall.
The staff-directed workshop was scheduled after three council members at the April 13 meeting voted to allow residents another opportunity to review the specifics of the park plans and provide input on possible revisions, although it appears unlikely that there is a council majority for major changes in the park's more controversial elements or support for consideration of some of the more recent proposals for the site, such as a solar farm.
In its present form, the park planned for city-owned land at 6050 Trancas Canyon Road includes a multi-sport athletic field, picnic area, playground, basketball court, dog park, restroom building and parking.   
The park proposal has generated major friction between residents of the Malibu West area. Park critics say adjacent residents would be adversely impacted by the traffic, noise, loitering, pollution, water consumption and other issues the park raises.
The amount of grading required by the plans is also a major source of contention. Critics say extensive grading and landform alteration is only being allowed because the city is both the applicant and the permitting agency, and it is granting itself more than would be allowed to applicants in other circumstances.
The matter was originally slated to go back to the council for finalization on May 11, but may now go back to members for action on May 26, which has some observers questioning why there was a rush to schedule the workshop in a manner that precluded more public notice.

                                                                               —Anne Soble