GLENDALE -- Glendalians reacted differently to the City Council's
decision Wednesday to deny the long-debated Oakmont View V subdivision.
Here's a sampling of comments from residents, local politicians and city
officials:
"It was a very exciting night for us. It was a tremendous victory."
-- Marc Stirdivant, president of Glendale-Crescenta Volunteers
Organized in Conserving the Environment (VOICE), the project's primary
opponent.
"I think [the council] has usurped the great property rights of the
Greggs. "The Greggs have fulfilled all their obligations, and the city
has dragged it on and on, forcing them to give up the project. I just
don't think it's right.
-- Marilyne Wiechmann
"For me the project was just too immense. It was just too much."
-- Councilman Frank Quintero
"What a horrific mistake that would have been [to approve the
project]. I have never been more proud to be a Glendale resident than
after hearing the heart of Glendale denounce the project and preserve the
beauty of the Verdugo Mountains."
-- Maritza Gentry
"I think it will spell the demise of Glendale. We don't have enough
quality housing. We need some expensive housing for affluent people."
-- Martha Feutz
"[The decision] felt historic. People on our side were incredibly
happy. Some of them couldn't believe it."
-- Jack Alston, a founding member of VOICE.
"You look at what the California Environmental Quality Act requires
and you look at what the law says about approval and then you obey the
law. It was kind of a no brainier."
-- Councilman Dave Weaver
"There were hugs, 'high-fives' and a few tears. There was a sense of
relief that for now the Verdugos are protected."
-- Max Hobbs, VOICE member.
"I know the council made the right decision and I know that we'll be
able to purchase the property. I truly believe that last night we made
history in this town."
-- Carole Sussman, president, Glendale Homeowners Coordinating Council
