Following 20 years of frustration, the California Coastal Commission is hoping to finally resolve a case of environmental disturbance at a property on Latigo Canyon Drive in Malibu owned by Google Glass developer Hartmut Neven.
The coastal authority is scheduled to discuss approval of an amendment placing responsibility in the hands of Neven, director of engineering at Google and one of the developers of Google Glass, to remediate the dumping of construction debris in a nearby stream that took place nearly two decades ago.
Hartmut and Jessica Neven have owned the property since 2013 after its prior owner lost it in a foreclosure. According to CCC documents, the Nevens were made aware that the land was in violation of the Coastal Act before they bought it.
The home’s history of environmental violations dates back to 1995 when the CCC discovered that the then-owner had violated Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA). According to the staff report, “the violations at issue in this matter include dumping of concrete, rebar, bricks, asphalt, plastics and metal materials into a canyon containing two United States Geologic Survey designated blue-line streams, which had the effect of altering one of the streams.”
In the following 18 years, two owners thwarted the CCC and continued unpermitted development and “the removal of major vegetation” on the property, as well as dividing the property into two parcels without a permit.
In 2013, the Nevens purchased the property, and according to the CCC, have been working to bring it back to code and clear the ESHA damage done.
“They have agreed to assume the obligations of the original consent orders … as well as take additional steps to ensure a successful restoration of the property,” states the report, “Staff appreciates the current owners’ work and efforts in coming to this conclusion.”
The hearing will take place on Thursday, Nov. 13 during the CCC’s regular meeting in Half Moon Bay, CA.