The development of a long-discussed planned community in northern Los Angeles County faced renewed debate Wednesday at a public hearing of the Regional Planning Commission.

The Centennial development, a proposed 12,000-acre community on the Tejon Ranch near Gorman, would include nearly 20,000 homes and 10 million square feet of commercial, retail and “institutional/civic” space for public facilities like schools, parks, a sheriff’s station and an urgent care clinic. Nearly half of the site would be open space.

Some environmental advocates and residents who oppose the project say it will ruin the habitats of protected species and contribute to sprawl that increases the region’s car dependence, worsening air quality and generating more greenhouse gases.

Tejon Ranch Co., the developer, says Centennial will provide badly needed housing and economic growth while preserving the local environment.

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