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Numerous contentious changes over the past 100 years surrounding the Girard community, include the Warner Center plan to build a large entertainment arena and high-rise apartments.
A proposed development is not a part of the tiny lots Girard created between 1921-1925, instead it is 20 acres carved out of the 93 acre Woodland Hills Country Club golf course on its western border alongside Canoga Avenue.
The golf course was established in 1925 and is no longer owned by members. The members sold it in 2020 to a corporation consisting of at least two members (Phil Wilson and Ryan Ogulnick) of the club. The unverified sale price of $15 million included a stipulation it remain a golf-course for a certain number of years or the longtime equity members would benefit financially from the subsequent premature transaction. Course Correction - Inside The Valley | Los Angeles Business Journal
Ironically, in 1985 there was a loud outcry. The objectors did want more housing on the original tiny lots established between 1921-1925. " 2,886-acre area that Girard bought and divided into 6,828 parcels available alongside the Woodland Hills Country Club." Huge Houses on Tiny Lots Weigh on Community - Los Angeles Times
Anyone driving along some of the roads of the original Girard tracts will attest to the narrow roads which no longer easily accommodate two opposing larger cars and certainly not during the rainy season and flowing water and mud. However, the location of the proposed 398 development is not a part of the hilly roads.
The supporters of a petition (Change.org: https://c.org/DRgFCbcYwr) to stop the 398-Unit Canoga Canyon Project
object to it being fast-tracked under AB 2011, which is "for appropriate commercial corridors". The objections, include
- This is a very high fire hazard zone
- Serious Evacuation & Public Safety Risks
- Zoning & Open Space Concerns
- Loss of Trees & Open Space (117 trees)
- Developer Credibility: Fraud Conviction
They summarize what AB 2011 allows as
- Ministerial approval (no public hearing, no discretionary review)
- Exemption from CEQA, meaning no full environmental review of fire danger, traffic, evacuation, and neighborhood impacts
According to the builder's website New Woodland Hills Housing Project Moves Forward - Woodland Hills Project
"An important mixed-income housing project is moving forward in Woodland Hills following the filing of an application with the City of Los Angeles for redevelopment of the Woodland Hills Country Club property" Case Information & Documents - Los Angeles City Planning CPC-2025-6505-DB-DRB-SPPC-PR-VHCA filed 11/21/25.
The project utilizes 20 acres of the Woodland Hills Country Club 85 acre property. "The proposed project utilizes new components of California’s Housing Crisis Act provisions under Government Code §§ 65912.120–124, first enacted by Assembly Bill 2011 (Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022) and expanded in 2024 through Assembly Bill 2243. These laws allow housing developments to replace underutilized land that allow commercial activities, streamlining approvals by limiting certain local discretionary reviews. In this instance, the proposed project is ministerial in review, meaning it is not processed through the typical lengthy land-use process that can take years to complete." Applicant: Christopher Lee [Company: RW WHCCLLC / DYER 18 WHCC LLC
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