City receives DWP study on Chatsworth Reservoir; council asks for action plan and refers report to committee

The Los Angeles City Council on March 23 received a conceptual study from the Department of Water and Power (DWP) that outlines seven options for the future of the Chatsworth Reservoir and urged staff to return with an action plan.

The DWP representative said the study, prepared by Somos and Associates, is “a basis for future discussion” and does not make a recommendation on development. David Freeman, the DWP general manager, told the council the department has preserved the reservoir to date and that the study was intended to “elicit some discussion” about options ranging from leaving the site as-is to various limited uses.

The public hearing drew sustained testimony from residents, environmental groups and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Rosemarie White of the Canadian Goose Project urged the council to prioritize education and long-term endowment for the site: “This is a nature-based education program,” she said, asking the council to preserve the area for teaching children about habitat and native plants. Chris Uhlenkamp, conservation chair of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, said the society had expected to be included by name in lease discussions and asked for greater inclusion in planning. Paul Edelman representing the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy said the Conservancy “is a completely willing participant” and flexible about how to participate.

Councilmembers on both preservation and procedural fronts urged steps to protect open space and expand public access without heavy development. Councilmember Bernsen clarified that the study “is not intended nor does it make a recommendation,” but called for public hearings and wider input once the document is distributed. Several members said they supported pursuing a lease with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to secure protection and passive public access.

The council voted to note and file the report, to send the study to the Arts, Health & Humanities Committee for funding and evaluation, and to ask DWP to prepare an action plan and, if appropriate, schedule public hearings to solicit neighborhood input. The council’s directions included seeking funding opportunities and examining federal/state grant options and potential bond funding.

Next steps: DWP is to bring an action plan to the council within a short timeline for review; the council sent the study to committee to assess funding opportunities and implementation paths.