Residents urge Agora Hills council to address housing development and traffic concerns

In the heart of Agoura Hills, residents gathered at the city council meeting on May 28, 2025, to voice their concerns over proposed housing developments that could significantly impact their community. As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with urgency, particularly from those who have faced the threat of wildfires and the challenges of local traffic congestion.

One resident, who has lived in the area for over three decades, passionately expressed support for expanding housing but cautioned against proceeding without adequate infrastructure. "Canaan Road today is a parking lot," she warned, recalling her harrowing experiences during evacuations from the Woolsey and Palisades fires. She emphasized that without improvements to the roads, the influx of new residents could create a dangerous situation, making it nearly impossible for current residents to escape in emergencies.

Echoing these sentiments, Bruce Bunch, a local attorney and homeowner, raised alarms about the traffic conditions at the Canaan intersection, which he described as a "disaster." He pointed out that the intersection is already heavily trafficked and that adding more housing would exacerbate the problem, especially during peak hours when children need to travel to schools located north of the freeway.

The discussion took a broader turn when Adler Weiner, a climate activist, highlighted environmental concerns related to the proposed developments. He urged the council to advocate for all-electric construction to mitigate carbon emissions, stressing the importance of sustainable building practices in light of the ongoing climate crisis. Weiner's call to action resonated with many, as he pointed out the need for the city to engage with developers to ensure environmentally friendly practices are prioritized.

As the meeting progressed, Yvonne Havril, another concerned resident, shared her experiences living adjacent to Canaan Road, reinforcing the notion that the road is far from the light traffic it is sometimes portrayed to be. Her testimony added to the growing chorus of voices urging the council to reconsider the implications of the proposed developments on both safety and quality of life.

The meeting concluded with a palpable sense of community concern, as residents urged the city council to prioritize infrastructure improvements before moving forward with new housing projects. The discussions underscored a critical intersection of growth, safety, and environmental responsibility, leaving attendees with a shared hope that their voices would lead to meaningful action in preserving the integrity of Agoura Hills.