Arcadia : Tennis Club Permit Sought

An application for a conditional use permit for a controversial tennis club has been filed with the city of Arcadia.

The proposed Santa Anita Canyon Racquet Club would be an 8.3-acre, $3.2-million facility in the county flood control basin between northern Arcadia and Monrovia. It would feature 14 tennis courts, two racquetball courts and a clubhouse with a formal dining room and lounge.

Last January, developers signed an 18-month option-to-lease agreement with the county Flood Control District, leading to opposition from residents in the area who object that the private club would generate increased traffic. The club would be served by only one entrance, at Highland Oaks Drive and Elkins Avenue.

The proposed club became an issue in last April’s City Council election. Three seats were at stake and the three successful candidates, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht and Dennis Lojeski, said they were either firmly opposed to it or leaning that way.

The Planning Commission will schedule a public hearing at a later date.