Santa Clarita Residents Challenge Proposed Courthouse Development

Residents of Santa Clarita gathered on November 12, 2023, at the Santa Clarita Activities Center to express their concerns regarding a proposed eight-story courthouse. Representatives from the Judicial Council presented plans for the courthouse, which would be located at the intersection of McBean Parkway and Valencia Boulevard, directly across from the local mall. The facility aims to consolidate juvenile criminal cases from the entire San Fernando Valley and facilitate felony arraignments and trials from areas outside of Santa Clarita.

Despite potential professional advantages from the addition of family law courtrooms, local resident Denise Lite voiced strong opposition to the proposed location. She highlighted that placing a regional courthouse in the city’s core would significantly disrupt the community’s quality of life. Lite emphasized that the city’s appeal lies in its balance—a safe and connected environment where families can thrive.

The proposed courthouse, akin to the Van Nuys Courthouse, would bring increased criminal case activity and congestion to an already busy corridor. Lite expressed her alarm over the impact this could have on nearby residential neighborhoods, including The Summit, The Bungalows, Old Orchard, and The Woodlands. Additionally, the location’s proximity to educational institutions like College of the Canyons and the California Institute of the Arts raised further concerns regarding safety and emergency access.

Lite underscored the need for thoughtful development that aligns with the community’s values and well-being. “Santa Clarita deserves better than decisions made in Sacramento without considering local impacts,” she stated. While she supports improved access to court services, Lite believes that the current proposal does not serve the best interests of the residents.

Residents have been urged to voice their opinions by contacting Kim Bobic at [email protected] by the public comment deadline of November 26, 2023. Lite warned that silence would be interpreted as acceptance of the project.

As a candidate for the Santa Clarita City Council, representing District 2, Lite is committed to advocating for the community’s safety, character, and quality of life. She plans to continue attending public meetings to push for amendments to the courthouse proposal, aiming for changes in its size, scope, and location. “We need everyone’s input to defeat this project or at least modify it to be more suitable for our community,” she concluded.

The debate surrounding the courthouse highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and community preservation in Santa Clarita, as residents strive to protect their city’s identity while accommodating necessary services.