A proposal to build a $60 million sports arena in Canoga Parkreceived mixed reviews from community members, who met Wednesdaynight to hear the developer's plan and grill him about potentialbenefits and drawbacks - especially traffic and parking.
Mark Steele, a self-described entertainment executive, promisedthat his 9,000-seat arena would be a boon to the community, a sportsand family entertainment hub with plenty of parking and minimaltraffic impacts.
'We'll do what we have to to make the community happy,' saidSteele.
The project was discussed during a meeting of the WoodlandHills/West Hills Neighborhood Planning Advisory Council at theFallbrook Mall, attended by about 40 people.
Steele has proposed building the sports complex on land atRocketdyne's Canoga Park plant, on 16 acres at the northeast cornerof the Canoga Avenue and Victory Boulevard intersection.
Steele plans the arena to feature a minor-league hockey team,professional men and women's volleyball teams, a minor-league indoorsoccer team, concerts and events such as circuses, ice shows and teamtennis.
The complex also would have a recreation center for volleyball,two theme-oriented restaurants and about 20,000 square feet forsports retail.
The project received some support from the committee andaudience.
'I think this end of the Valley could use something like this,'said Al Rosenberg of West Hills. 'Maybe something similar to whatthe (Great Western) Forum is like.'
But it prompted many questions, mostly about the ability toaccommodate the traffic the arena would generate.
'The traffic control problem would be worse than it is atChristmas time with Candy Cane Lane,' said Steve Witkin of WoodlandHills, who estimated that with each big event, 5,000 cars wouldconverge on the arena. 'To put 5,000 cars on Victory and Canoga . .. is beyond the realm of belief.'
Steele said he had been promised by the Department ofTransportation that if he builds the complex, a bus transfer centerwould be built next to it to cut down on traffic. Also, he said mostof the events would be held at night or on weekends, and not duringpeak traffic hours.
As for parking, he acknowledged that on-site space was scant,but said he is hoping to hammer out a deal with the owner of a garageacross Victory, to allow arena parking at night.
Steele also faced questions about lighting and security, whichhe vowed would be adequate during all sporting events. He also wasasked about financing.
Steele said he will be financing the arena with the help ofMariani Financial Co., a Los Altos investment company. But thecompany said this week that it has made no commitment to the project.He said he hopes to make a bid for the property next week. Sourceshave placed the price tag at $20 million.
Even as Steele pitched his proposal to the public - a precursorto starting the city permit process - community business leaders werequestioning whether he had the credentials or financial backing forsuch a venture.
