By Brian CHERNICK

A number of Glendale and Burbank residents attended the Glendale City Council meeting Tuesday night to speak out against the rezoning of a historic equestrian community that borders the two cities.

The protests were spurred by an application submitted in February by Art Simonian who founded Metro Investments and serves as a member of Glendale’s Design Review Board, and Silver Spur Stables owner Thomas Bell to convert the commercial equestrian zoning into a multifamily residential zone.

A rezoning of the area would make way for Simonian’s investment company to build 21 townhouse-style condos along the corridor, which would also require a major route to horse trails and Griffith Park on Allen Avenue.

Those opposed to the rezoning expressed that the stables are more than just commercial equestrian property but an important facet of the community for people who enjoy a rancho lifestyle. The Silver Spur Stables, located at 1900 W. Riverside Drive, currently house 78 horses and cater to individuals and families interested in equestrian activities.

Members of the “Save the Rancho” movement gathered over 3,000 signatures through an online petition and spoke during oral communications citing the “rare marriage of urban and semirural life” that provides a “unique lifestyle opportunity a mere nine miles from one of the nation’s largest cities,” according to Joanne Hedge, president of the Glendale Rancho Neighborhood Association.

Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, who is a resident of the Burbank Rancho, was also in attendance and spoke during the meeting. Gabel-Luddy presented council with a map of the equestrian area, illustrating the relationship it shares with the three cities of Glendale, Burbank and Los Angeles, pieced together by Griffith Park and the Los Angeles River.

City Council is not expected to make a consideration for the proposed zoning change soon; however, residents felt it necessary to speak out early.

  Brian CHERNICK