Beverly Hills To Take Stance On Preservation Of Hastain Trail

Beverly Hills CA

16 August, 2021

6:25 PM

Description

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Beverly Hills City Council on Tuesday will consider whether to try to influence the bankruptcy proceedings governing a controversial strip of land that runs along Franklin Canyon Park in a bid to preserve the Hastain Trail. The Hastain Trail is a one-and-a-half-mile trail that runs mostly along the public property of Franklin Canyon Park. However, some portions lie on property owned by real estate developer Mohamed Hadid that are now tied up in bankruptcy. Facing community pressure to preserve the popular trail, city leaders will consider a resolution declaring the city's desire for the bankruptcy court to approve the auction of all six of Hadid's Franklin Canyon properties rather than just the two currently in bankruptcy. Earlier this month, Hadid listed his entire stretch of 70 acres overlooking Los Angeles for $100 million. On Sept. 1, there is a court hearing scheduled for the bankruptcy cases. The court could decide to put the two bankrupt properties up for auction or elect to auction all six of the properties owned by Hadid. According to the staff report, putting all six of the properties up for auction would increase the likelihood of receiving a bidder who could preserve public access to the Hastain Trail. Alternatively, if the court elects to limit the sale and bidding procedures to the two bankruptcy lots, the possibility of preserving the continuity of the trail lowers drastically. The future of the Hastain Trail has garnered the attention of numerous Los Angeles residents who aim to preserve the continuity and public access to the trail. The Facebook page, Save Hastain Trail, has collected roughly 500 followers in support of the trail's protection. Hadid, father of models Bella and Gigi Hadid, has also faced staunch criticism for his plans to erect multimillion-dollar mansions on the lots he owns and for introducing bulldozers and other construction to the terrain of Franklin Canyon. The projects have been subject to years of litigation. The Hastain Trail runs through a total of five of the six properties owned by Hadid. The trail rises roughly 600 to 700 feet to the summit, and offers sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Bay. The trail is used by hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and dog-walkers, many of them Beverly Hills residents. Beverly Hills City Council will hold its general meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday at 455 North Rexford Dr.