Developer Will Seek to Replace Attorney

With the appointment last week of Glen Reiser to the Superior Court bench, developers of controversial Hidden Creek Ranch must scramble for another land-use attorney to represent them.

The timing is crucial for Messenger Investment Co. because of upcoming hearings on the 3,221-unit housing project--plus a citywide referendum on the proposal set for Jan. 12.

Retained by Messenger last October, Reiser has challenged the referendum, filed motions to have a lawsuit against the project dismissed, and threatened a lawsuit against a growth-control initiative designed to kill the project.

Gary Austin, a Messenger executive, said Reiser will recommend a replacement, probably from his law firm of Ferguson, Case, Orr, Patterson & Cunningham in Ventura.

Austin said Reiser’s departure will not disrupt the company’s plans.

Reiser’s replacement will have to sift through thousands of pages of documents on the project, including the environmental impact report, development agreement and various court filings. A hearing on a motion to dismiss the project is scheduled for next Monday.

Reiser could not be reached for comment.