Stop Agoura Village

Agoura Hills will reconsider EIR for commercial project

2007-05-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Agoura Hills officials say they won't appeal a Superior Court judge's recent decision requiring the city to set aside key documents necessary for the development of an ambitious retail and commercial project called Agoura Village.

Instead, the City Council tonight will be asked to decertify the environmental impact report for the proposed development and revoke its previous approval of the Agoura Village Specific Plan, which laid out a vision for the 135-acre project area near Agoura and Kanan roads.

"We're going to comply with the decision," City Attorney Craig Steele said.

The council will also be asked to approve a consulting contract, not to exceed $55,000, to complete the biological plant and animal study deemed necessary by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfant.

In his April 20 decision, Chalfant found that the city's environmental impact report fell short of analyzing the site in sufficient detail and relied on outdated sources for the information that was included.

"The city's failure lies primarily in a lack of biological surveys," Chalfant wrote. "Knowledge of the regional biological setting is critical to the EIR's assessment, and special emphasis was required for sensitive plants and wildlife.

"While the EIR need not perform an environmental analysis of specific developmental projects, it must describe the environmental setting in sufficient detail to appraise readers of the nature of the environmental resources affected by the project."

The suit against Agoura Hills was filed by Mary Altmann, who lives in the unincorporated area of Lakeside, near Malibou Lake in the Santa Monica Mountains south of Agoura Hills.

Altmann, who represented herself, said she was pleased with the judge's decision, although she wished it had gone further.

"I thought it was a conservative ruling," she said. "I was hoping to be affirmed on some other points. I am very happy with what I did win."

Agoura Village, envisioned as a pedestrian-friendly, vibrant development with multifamily housing and shops, has been in the works for nearly a decade.

Altmann said she was moved to file the suit because she felt that not only were the documents required for the development deficient, but she also worried about the effects it would have on the area's safety.

"It's a very high fire area," Altmann said. "I feel they are just choking this area with traffic. On beach days, if there is a fire, we can't get out to the 101 (freeway) and they didn't address these issues."

The project is divided into three areas. Applications have been filed for two of the areas. Both applications are in the concept review stage, Agoura Hills Senior Planner Allison Cook said.

The Agoura Village issue will be heard by the council at a special meeting tonight at 6:30 at the Civic Center, 30001 Ladyface Court.

Judge rules further study needed for Agoura Village

2007-05-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Judge rules further study needed for Agoura Village
Environmental report inadequate
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

A 135-acre swath just south of the 101 Freeway at Agoura Road is poised to one day become Agoura Village, a new commercial and residential town center, but city officials hit a snag in their development plans following a court order for additional environmental studies.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfant ruled April 20 that the city of Agoura Hills must prepare biological plant and animal surveys to address the environmental impact of the project.
Agoura Village is envisioned by city officials as a pedestrian-friendly town center with a mix of retail, residential and commercial businesses.
Chalfant's ruling was the result of a lawsuit filed by Malibou Lakeside resident Mary Altmann.
Altmann's suit alleged the Agoura Village Specific Plan, a planning document that outlines the city's vision of Agoura Village, violates seven laws and codes from an inadequate Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
The lawsuit sought to stop or delay the Agoura Village plan based on several allegations. It cites CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and municipal code violations, failure to identify safety issues and alternatives to the project, misrepresentation of the project's size, and inadequate mitigation measures.
The court commanded the city to "set aside its approval of the Agoura Village Specific Plan, the EIR, and the zoning amendment."
The city is required to prepare an environmental review that includes "timely biological data, support replanting through appropriate expert evidence, and provide a more complete discussion of why a reduced specific plan alternative does not meet project objectives."
According to Altmann, "Originally Agoura Village had been intended to be an environmentally friendly mixed-use development showcasing this pristine area as the 'gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains.'"
Due to its size and potential threat to open space and the environment, she called the project "controversial."
Altmann, who filed her suit last July, founded a group called Citizens for Sensitive Development to challenge the plan, but when legal costs skyrocketed, she conducted her own research and filed the lawsuit on her own. Had she been unsuccessful, the court could have required her to bear the burden of the city's attorney fees, she said.
"Although we are disappointed that the judge found a deficiency in the biological studies and some related text in the EIR, we were gratified that Judge Chalfant denied every other challenge brought by Ms. Altmann," city attorney Craig Steele said.
"He flatly disposed of every claim regarding General Plan consistency and other land use issues, he found that the city had accurately and completely defined the scope of the AVSP (Agoura Village Specific Plan), he denied challenges to the city's notice procedures, he saw through false claims about redesignation of open space and, significantly . . . he stated that 'in all other respects, the EIR is adequate,'" Steele said.
City officials believe detailed biological studies should be done on a project-by-project basis.
The "AVSP does not approve any development project," Steele said. "We respectfully disagree with Judge Chalfant's position that such detail is required or even informative now, at the broad planning stage. Nonetheless, we anticipate that the city will comply with the judge's order."
The cost of the biological study could be in the "tens of thousands of dollars," Steele said. "The unfortunate and unnecessary impact of Ms. Altmann's lawsuit is that the city's taxpayers will foot the bill for the detailed biological study initially, instead of the future developers who actually could create the potential biological impacts down the road."
"I am thankful for our justice system, and that justice prevailed in this case," Altmann said.

Citizen wins CEQA Lawsuit against City of Agoura Hills

2007-04-22T22:43:00.000-07:00

News Release – For Immediate Release
April 22, 2007
Contact: Mary Altmann (818) 667-3590 for questions or copy of ruling
City of Agoura Hills (818) 597-7300

Citizen wins CEQA Lawsuit against City of Agoura Hills

Friday, April 20th, at 3:38 pm California Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant issued a Writ of Mandate commanding the City of Agoura Hills to set aside the City of Agoura Hill’s approval of the Agoura Village Specific Plan, the environmental impact report, and the zoning amendment. If the City plans to go forward with the project, “the City must prepare biological plant and animal surveys in order to properly address the environmental impact” (page 17 of 26 page ruling). The City will also need “expert support for replanting of sensitive plant species as proper mitigation” (page 21 of ruling). The City also needs to have more complete discussions of alternatives to the project (page 26 of ruling).
“Agoura Village” is a controversial project of 135 acres encompassing a portion of Ladyface Mountain near the corner of Kanan and Agoura Road near the 101 freeway. The City planned to put a round-about on the corner of Kanan and Agoura Roads, up to 293 residential units with no limit of square footage, and about 950,000 square feet of new and redeveloped commercial development. Originally “Agoura Village” had been intended to be environmentally friendly mixed-use development showcasing this pristine area as the “Gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains.”
Mary Altmann, a concerned citizen, filed a lawsuit pro-per July 2006 opposing the Agoura Village Plan. She founded a group called “Citizens for Sensitive Development” in 2006 to challenge the development. Cost estimates from experienced attorneys to file the lawsuit challenging a program EIR were astronomical, so she studied, researched, and filed her own lawsuit, representing herself challenging the City. If unsuccessful, the court could have required her to bear the burden of the City’s attorney’s fees.
“I am thankful for our justice system, and that justice prevailed in this case. I am aware of other improprieties of the City of Agoura not following the California Environmental Quality Act, and am happy they will be commanded to follow the law this time” stated Ms. Altmann.
- MA-

Agoura Village plan taken to court

2007-04-17T01:38:00.000-07:00

Opponents of Agoura Village will have their day in court tomorrow at 10 a.m. when Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfant hears their case against the proposed commercial development in Agoura Hills.
The City Council approved the 135-acre mixed-use project located near Kanan, Agoura and Cornell roads in June 2006. The plan calls for a diverse mix of retail shops, restaurants, commercial businesses and housing in what city officials hope will be a "pedestrian friendly" town center.
Malibou Lakeside resident Mary Altmann filed suit against the city and will represent herself at today's Los Angeles Superior Court hearing. She formed Citizens for Sensitive Development, and the grassroots effort inspired more than 250 residents to sign a petition lending support to the opposition.
Altmann's lawsuit challenges the city's certification of the project's environmental impact report, amendments to the Ladyface Specific Plan, monitoring and mitigation plans, and zoning ordinance changes made by the city. The suit lists seven reasons why the city should overhaul the Agoura Village Plan, citing safety concerns, especially fire evacuations of residents south of the 101 Freeway.
"The city of Agoura Hills misrepresented the size of the project, did not complete an up-to-date biologic survey on the site where endangered species are known to live, did not have adequate alternative analysis, (and) did not follow their General Plan," Altmann said in an e-mail to local residents to encourage their attendance at the hearing.
The city is "approving around 300 residences with no limit of square footage and about 1 million square feet of commercial development, three-story buildings in front of Ladyface Mountain--all on endangered habitat if this is not stopped," she said.
Altmann and others believe Agoura Village would violate the city's General Plan by doubling the size of allowable development. City officials contend the planning document cuts the new retail space in half.
"The city feels like it's done all of the necessary environmental work to make this the best specific plan possible," said Greg Ramirez, Agoura Hills' city manager. "What people need to understand is (the Agoura Village Plan) is not an entitlement but development guidelines," he said. Any proposed project must traverse the city's standard development process, including approval by the Agoura Hills planning commission, he said.
Howard Littman, a forensic architect based in Agoura Hills, said that along with the 950,000 square feet of retail space, Agoura Village's residential element is additional and has no cap on square footage. Littman said city officials did not calculate the square footage of existing businesses in the Agoura Village-zoned area, all of which will eventually be redeveloped.
Altmann said she hopes area residents will attend the hearing to lend support. "It is the only and most important thing you can do right now to stop this disastrous development," she said.
"I feel fairly confident about it," Altmann said in a subsequent interview. "I think (the city) broke some serious laws."
If Altmann does not prevail at the Fri., April 13 court hearing, she said, she plans to appeal the decision.

2007-01-03T02:04:00.000-08:00

function openRegWin3(){
popWin = window.open('/home/reg2.php?do=basic','RegWin','width=600,height=530,status,scrollbars');
popWin.focus();
}
function openNewsletter(){
newslettersub = window.open('/home/reg_newsletter.php','newslettersub','width=550,height=450,status,scrollbars');
newslettersub.focus();
}

Remember me

The Retail PageDecember 27, 2006 – Tucker Keeps Whizin Along Article Date: 12/27/06

Full Story: Tucker Investment Group has purchased Whizin Shopping Center, an 85k sf mixed-use open-air lifestyle center (okay, a really large strip center) in Agoura Hills. The property, located on 2.73 acres at 28912 Roadside Dr, adjacent to the 101 Fwy along Canwood St, traded for $26 mil ($306/sf). The Whizin Shopping Center is comprised of a collection of small specialty retailers and an indoor event venue, The Canyon Club. "The Whizin Center is located in the heart of the Agoura Village project, an area that the City of Agoura Hills has marked for revitalization and beautification. It is well-positioned for future integration into the Agoura Village Specific Plan as a community focal point," explained Michael Ross, Managing Director for Colliers Investment Services Group (CISG) and partner of the Ross-Cordova Investment Team. According to Fred Cordova, the City of Agoura Hills is a highly desirable market with strong demographics. "The Agoura Village Specific Plan is designed to create a welcoming pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that captures the character of Agoura Hills." Along with Ross and Cordova, John DeGrinis and Steve Nanino, also of Colliers International, represented the seller, the Whizin Foundation, in the transaction. Tucker Investment took care of its own negotiations in the deal. The Whizin Foundation, a support foundation at the Jewish Community Foundation in Los Angeles, is devoted to efforts to building three pillars of the Jewish future, family, synagogue and community. Established in 1989, the Whizin Foundation began its work by sponsoring the Whizin Institute for Jewish Family Life, an academic institute devoted to research, training and dissemination in the emerging field of Jewish family education.

Whizin, home to Canyon Club, gets $26 million

2006-12-24T18:16:00.000-08:00

Agoura Hills center is sold

Whizin, home to Canyon Club, gets $26 million

By Jim McLain, jmclain@VenturaCountyStar.comDecember 23, 2006

An Agoura Hills shopping center that is home to one of Southern California's best-known small concert venues has been purchased by a Calabasas developer and will be integrated into a plan to revitalize the city's downtown.
The Whizin Shopping Center, an 84,979-square-foot retail venue, was bought earlier this month by Tucker Investment Group for $26.2 million. CEO Bill Tucker said the center houses 25 to 30 businesses, including the Canyon Club, which regularly stages performances by popular bands and singers.

Tucker's firm bought the center at 28912 Roadside Drive adjacent to Highway 101 along with 2.73 undeveloped acres across the freeway on Canwood Street that has nearly 1,000 feet of freeway frontage. The seller was the Whizin Foundation, a support organization of the Jewish Community Foundation in Los Angeles. Among other entities, the group helps fund Los Angeles' University of Judaism. The deal closed Dec. 1.
Tucker said his group hopes to make the center a focal point of the city's revitalization project.
"We are right at the doorstep of where Agoura Hills has ... identified as what they want to create as their pedestrian-friendly downtown area," Tucker said. "We want to play into that and be a pedestrian-friendly center with an urban living room feel."
He said his group will hire architects soon and work with city officials to upgrade the center in a project that will entail elements of Agoura Hills' newly adopted Agoura Village Specific Plan Zone.
The Whizin Center is inside the zone, but the undeveloped land across the freeway is not. Tucker said it will take several months for his group to put together a proposal to take to the city. A city official said the zone includes strict requirements.
"It's pretty specific regarding allowable uses and types of amenities that would be required ? landscaping, hardscape improvements and architectural design to keep within the village theme," said Doug Hooper, Agoura Hills' assistant community development director. "It's a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly environment."
Tucker has experience working with high-end projects. He is former chairman and remains on the board of the Bayside District, which developed and manages Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade and owns several properties in Burbank Village, a recently completed project in downtown Burbank.
Tucker insisted, though, that the Agoura Hills project will not be patterned after those.
"It's a different animal," he said. "Every area is unique. What works in Santa Monica works in Santa Monica. What works in Burbank works in Burbank. ? This is an area that is unique to itself. It has to be treated with attention. We want to make sure it's done properly and fits -in with the community."
The Whizin Shopping Center was named for a restaurant that was its best-known tenant for decades. Several other restaurants have occupied that space. Wood Ranch is there now, though it is in a new building.
Tucker said his group wants to keep Wood Ranch, the Canyon Club and many other current tenants, but improvement plans are just getting started.
"We're just getting our arms around it," he said. "We think that it's a great center in a great location ? it should play an integral part of the whole downtown."
His firm has not begun to consider plans for the undeveloped land included in the sale. Tucker described that property as "the gravy in the transaction," but said their main interest is the Whizin Center.
Brokers Michael Ross and Fred Cordova of Colliers International Investment Group in Los Angeles represented the Whizin Foundation in the sale, while Tucker Investment Group was self-represented.

Agoura Hills general plan update underway

2006-12-09T03:40:00.000-08:00

Agoura Hills general plan update underway
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Agoura Hills residents have been invited to help shape the future of their city by attending a joint meeting between the City Council and the planning commission.

According to Allison Cook, senior planner, the Dec. 13 meeting will give residents the opportunity to learn about how the city's general plan will be updated. The document is a framework for city development over the next decade.

Commercial, residential and industrial development is outlined in the general plan, as well as traffic patterns, natural resources, hiking trails, streets, sidewalks and other public works. Also addressed by the plan are issues pertaining to noise, public safety and the local economy.
The update is a three-phase process. The city already conducted several workshops and mailed a written survey to more than 23,000 Agoura Hills residents earlier this year to see how they feel about a variety of city issues.

Survey questions ranged from what people enjoy most about living in Agoura Hills to what they would like to see in the way of transportation, land development, community services and business opportunities. An independent firm analyzed the results and prepared a report, which will be shared at next Wednesday's meeting.

The second phase of the update will begin next year. City staff will prepare reports on traffic, conservation, parks, infrastructure, recreation, housing needs, population demographics, open space and community services. Included will be updated goals, policies, objectives and programs that should be a part of the general plan. The third phase will finalize land use documents and analyze potential environmental consequences pertaining to the California Environmental Quality Act.

The meeting is expected to draw many residents with con
cerns about the Agoura Village plan. City officials view the village south of the 101 Freeway as an eclectic future town center mixing retail and commercial businesses with housing units in a "pedestrian friendly" atmosphere. Opponents see the plan as a threat to the environment and a violation of the exisiting general plan.

Mary Altmann, a Malibou Lakeside resident who formed Citizens for Sensitive Development, a group opposing the development, has filed a citizen's lawsuit to stop or at least delay the development.
The general plan update meeting will be from 6 to 9 p.m. next Wednesday at city hall, 30001 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills.

The City Council Needs You’re Help

2006-11-30T11:35:00.000-08:00

The City Council Needs You’re Help

We need to once again, go out and Police the actions and intentions of the City Council.
They intend to change the general plan of this little town. What do the have in mind????
What changes to our lifestyle and our property values are they intending to change? Regardless of what we say?
If you look carefully, you will see that the council is changing the rural setting of the area to an urban city. Is that what you moved here for? Is that why we elected them to office? To change this place to be just like the place we left behind..

Rural
–adjective
1.
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the country, country life, or country people; rustic: rural tranquillity.

2.
living in the country: the rural population.

Urban
–adjective
1.
of, pertaining to, or designating a city or town.

2.
living in a city.

If you want to keep Agoura a rural community, you need to come to this meeting and tell the five council members to stop! If you want to live in Agoura City with its 24 hour downtown and all of the other happenings of an Urban Agoura City, then stay home on December 15th and watch the values and the property values of Agoura slip away.

Agoura to host General Plan update meeting
A General Plan update community meeting will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Wed., Dec. 13 at the Agoura Hills City Council chambers in city hall, 30001 Ladyface Court.
At this joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission, the public can learn more about the General
Plan update process and share opinions about land use, circulation and other planning issues in the city.
For more information, call Allison Cook, senior planner, at (818) 597-7310, e-mail acook@ci.agoura-hills.ca.us or visit www.ci.agourahills.ca.us.

The Devil is in the details

2006-11-29T01:38:00.001-08:00

RARE Mixed use land in Agoura! : Property in Agoura Hills, CA$9,999,000.00 Seller: NUMBER1EXPERT (0) sell.com classifieds Real Estate Land 22HSMB
Ad Info
Asking Price:
$9,999,000.00
Quantity For Sale:
1
Payment Terms:
See below for more info.
Item Location:
Agoura Hills, CA [USA]
Refund Policy:
Ask seller for details.
Date Posted:
Mon 27-Nov-2006
Seller Info
Sign-in Name:
NUMBER1EXPERT (0)
Member Since:
17-Feb-2005
View more ads from NUMBER1EXPERT

Learn how to buy this item.Can I contact the seller?

Email Friend

Clip This Ad

Browse more ads in Land category
Classified Details
RARE Mixed use land in Agoura! : Property in Agoura Hills, CA

View more property details...
function wlc()
{
window.location.href = 'http://www.sell.com/3Z2HVKR';
return false;
}
function getItById(objId)
{
var myObj;
if (document.getElementById)
myObj = document.getElementById(objId);
else if (document.all && document.all[objId]) // ie4
myObj = document.all[objId];
else if (document.layers) // nn4
myObj = document.layers[objId];
return myObj;
}
var ankr;
if (ankr = getItById('wl'))
ankr.onclick = wlc;
if (ankr = getItById('wli'))
ankr.onclick = wlc;
Address: Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301MLS #: 2056493Excellent Oportunity To Own A Proposed Mixed Use European Style Development. Cornerstone At Agoura Village In The Center Of The Approved Retail & Entertainment Zone In The Village Of Agoura Hills. 6.89 Acres Consists Of Retail 23,426 Sf, Office 18,509 Sf, Residential 42,300 Sf(41 Units)*Entitlement In Process*Plans,Studies & Info Avail. Listing Agent and Office: Renit Zoldan, Rodeo Realty.Agent/Broker Contact Information:Coldwell Banker Regional BrokerageSuzanne Grace & Associates805-341-46441620 Newbury Road, Suite 6, Newbury Park, CA 91320

The Numbers Dont Lie

2006-11-27T18:09:00.000-08:00

Survey says
During the summer of 2005, the city of Agoura Hills conducted a survey of residents, and the results are very interesting.
The top values are quality of life, low crime rate and the quality of the schools, all by a very large margin. The least desirable aspects were the Kanan Road interchange, traffic congestion and too much development.
So why did the council vote 50 to approve Agoura Village, a mixed-use, high-density project that could lend itself to 1.5 million square feet or more development and generate over 17,500 vehicle trips a day, and allow 45-foot-high buildings in front of Ladyface Mountain?
Many concerned citizens addressed the council, yet members still voted in more traffic, more crime, more air pollution and overcrowded schools. Thank goodness Mary Altmann filed a lawsuit to stop this project.
The most important function of the city council is to regulate development. The current City Council has consistently proven they cannot be trusted to uphold the key values of our community.
At the next available chance, we should elect people who will.

Joe Dallacqua Malibou Lake

Agoura Village 'myth' debunked

2006-11-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

Agoura Village 'myth' debunked
Last week's Acorn editorial infers the Agoura Village Specific Plan down-sizes development the city can approve on the affected acreage. This is contrary to the actual AVSP language.
The AVSP first allows commercial development roughly equal to that previously allowed -approximately 950,000 commercial square feet. It then allows bonus incentives to certain parcels, and allows the City Council to give discretionary increases to any parcel owner, with no squarefootage cap.
In addition to all commercial square footage, the AVSP then allows 293 new residential dwelling units-with no square-footage cap. An alternate plan allows for fewer dwellings, but adds a hotel. Neither the commercial nor residential square footages include anticipated garage structures.
The AVSP also allows buildings to exceed previous height limits, increasing overall size perceptions, making the project more urban, and affecting views of the southern foothills.
Using reasonable projections for residential units, the combined commercial and residential square footage "allowable" on the land could be 50 percent (or more) than what could have been constructed under prior regulation.
The city may be hard-pressed to legally deny any application on the basis of square footage or mass, so long as it complies with the AVSP's design parameters.
The Acorn is our community's source of local information and should present facts as contained in the AVSP. It should not simply parrot the mantra of proponents who paint a portrait of "less dense" development
A city survey of residents (results of which were recently released for public consumption) shows almost unanimous opposition to development of more residential units in Agoura Hills. This survey data was accumulated long before the AVSP was approved, but it was not discussed at AVSP public hearings.

Howard Littman Agoura Hills

Stick to the plan

2006-11-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

Stick to the plan, Agoura
The Agoura Village Specific Plan is about as "eclectic" as what was approved on the north side of the freeway-a mass of apartments and commercial development in spite of the Riverwalk project and/or recreational use that was possible there.
The plan currently challenged in court allows 60 percent building coverage with 45foottall buildings, not including parking structures. The General Plan for this same area allows for an average building coverage of 20 percent and a height limit of 35 feet.
"Citizens for Sensitive Development" are in favor of sensitive development to highlight and augment our beautiful surroundings. We don't want 45foothigh apartments on sensitive land, nor the 24hour nightlife that will attract crime, heavy traffic and all sorts of pollution where rare and endangered species live in the town we call home.
It is important you e-mail or call your City Council members, (818) 597-7300, and ask them to follow the current General Plan guidelines for Agoura Village, and ask them to keep the zoning and density the same in the updated General Plan. Mary Altmann Agoura

Residents clash with city over 'village'

2006-11-14T17:11:00.001-08:00

Opponents are stepping up their fight against the Agoura Village Specific Plan, a long-range document that sets the stage for the development of an eclectic, mixeduse town center south of the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills.
Opponents believe the plan violates the city's General Plan in several ways, posing safety, traffic and environmental problems.

A community meeting was held Oct. 26 at the Malibou Lake Country Club to rally support against the village plan.

Malibou Lakeside resident Mary Altmann formed a watchdog group called "Citizens for Sensitive Development" and has filed a lawsuit against the city of Agoura Hills in an attempt to slow the center's progress.

The suit challenges the city's certification of an Agoura Village "Program Environmental Impact Report," which opponents believe is inadequate, but city officials say is simply misunderstood. The report analyzes how the center will affect the environment.

Altmann was among about 35 residents, mostly from the Malibou Lake area, to attend the October meeting. "We're trying to fight city hall," said Joe D'allaqua, a longtime resident who believes the Agoura Village plan doesn't offer enough details and is worried that some established businesses would be forced to leave, a charge the city denies.

"If they choose to leave, or choose to redevelop, it's totally up to them to make that decision," said Mike Kamino, Agoura Hills' director of planning and community development.

D'allaqua also said the city has made "backdoor deals" with developers.
Kamino said three developers have been working with the city in an attempt to get the village underway. Each project, Kamino saidwould require separate environmental reviews, including California Environmental Quality Act documents. Each property owner must undergo hearings and obtain separate approval for their project"The Specific Plan is a tool," said Allison Cook, senior planner for Agoura Village. "It's up to each applicant to move forward or not."
The Agoura Village plan does not allow industrial uses. Existing storage businesses have been "grandfathered in," and will be allowed to operate in the area as long as their owners desire.

Steve Hess, a member of the Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation who opposes Agoura Village, said the concept has changed considerably since it was first introduced by former Agoura Hills mayors Fran Pavley and Louise Rishoff and other city leaders.
"This is not what they had in mind," Hess said.

Rishoff worked on the Agoura Village Task Force in developing the current plan.
"I continue to support the original concept, but the devil is in the details," Rishoff said.
She said the development will unfold as each application comes before the city planning commission.
"The first (project) in will set the standard for everyone that follows," Rishoff said
.
Opponents are concerned about traffic and believe a proposed roundabout at Kanan Road will create more problems than it solves.

A traffic study predicts more than 17,000 additional car trips each day from the village, but the number is small in comparison to the existing traffic, Cook said.
Kamino said the level of traffic flow would be considered average under the Institute of Traffic Engineers' nationwide standard rating system.
One area, however, will fall below the "C" traffic level. Agoura Road between Kanan and Cornell roads will not be widened and traffic will be slower. Flow in that area is projected at level "D," officials said.
"We do not want cars whizzing by," Kamino said. The goal for the area is to make it "pedestrian friendly," he said.
Cook said the plan includes the worst case scenario and doesn't account for people walking in and out of the village area.
One person at the meeting suggested the proposed roundabout was a ruse to eventually install a sixlane intersection.
"...The intent of a roundabout is to facilitate the movement of traffic," Rishoff said.

Altmann said the 45-foot-high, three-story buildings allowed by the plan-which are a violation of the city's 35-foot height limit-would be made possible if developers provide a "bonus" to the city such as public art, creek restoration, horse trails or other projects.

The design elements required under the Specific Plan will force developers to include balconies and elements that present a more varied look than a master-planned mall.

And while opponents worried about density problems, officials say the Agoura Village "floor area ratio" (the size of a building compared to its lot) is about one-third less intense than what is allowed under the city's current General Plan.

"It won't be a massive, monumental look," Cook said.
The city's goal is to allow the project to develop "organically," and to avoid a "cookiecutter" design, Cook said.

By Stephanie Bertholdo

Residents clash with city over 'village'

2006-11-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

Residents clash with city over 'village' By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com
Opponents are stepping up their fight against the Agoura Village Specific Plan, a long-range document that sets the stage for the development of an eclectic, mixeduse town center south of the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills.
Opponents believe the plan violates the city's General Plan in several ways, posing safety, traffic and environmental problems.
A community meeting was held Oct. 26 at the Malibou Lake Country Club to rally support against the village plan.
Malibou Lakeside resident Mary Altmann formed a watchdog group called "Citizens for Sensitive Development" and has filed a lawsuit against the city of Agoura Hills in an attempt to slow the center's progress.
The suit challenges the city's certification of an Agoura Village "Program Environmental Impact Report," which opponents believe is inadequate, but city officials say is simply misunderstood. The report analyzes how the center will affect the environment.
Altmann was among about 35 residents, mostly from the Malibou Lake area, to attend the October meeting. "We're trying to fight city hall," said Joe D'allaqua, a longtime resident who believes the Agoura Village plan doesn't offer enough details and is worried that some established businesses would be forced to leave, a charge the city denies.
"If they choose to leave, or choose to redevelop, it's totally up to them to make that decision," said Mike Kamino, Agoura Hills' director of planning and community development.
D'allaqua also said the city has made "backdoor deals" with developers.
Kamino said three developers have been working with the city in an attempt to get the village underway. Each project, Kamino saidwould require separate environmental reviews, including California Environmental Quality Act documents. Each property owner must undergo hearings and obtain separate approval for their project"The Specific Plan is a tool," said Allison Cook, senior planner for Agoura Village. "It's up to each applicant to move forward or not."
The Agoura Village plan does not allow industrial uses. Existing storage businesses have been "grandfathered in," and will be allowed to operate in the area as long as their owners desire.
Steve Hess, a member of the Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation who opposes Agoura Village, said the concept has changed considerably since it was first introduced by former Agoura Hills mayors Fran Pavley and Louise Rishoff and other city leaders.
"This is not what they had in mind," Hess said.
Rishoff worked on the Agoura Village Task Force in developing the current plan.
"I continue to support the original concept, but the devil is in the details," Rishoff said.
She said the development will unfold as each application comes before the city planning commission.
"The first (project) in will set the standard for everyone that follows," Rishoff said.
Opponents are concerned about traffic and believe a proposed roundabout at Kanan Road will create more problems than it solves.
A traffic study predicts more than 17,000 additional car trips each day from the village, but the number is small in comparison to the existing traffic, Cook said.
Kamino said the level of traffic flow would be considered average under the Institute of Traffic Engineers' nationwide standard rating system.
One area, however, will fall below the "C" traffic level. Agoura Road between Kanan and Cornell roads will not be widened and traffic will be slower. Flow in that area is projected at level "D," officials said.
"We do not want cars whizzing by," Kamino said. The goal for the area is to make it "pedestrian friendly," he said.
Cook said the plan includes the worst case scenario and doesn't account for people walking in and out of the village area.
One person at the meeting suggested the proposed roundabout was a ruse to eventually install a sixlane intersection.
"...The intent of a roundabout is to facilitate the movement of traffic," Rishoff said.
Altmann said the 45-foot-high, three-story buildings allowed by the plan-which are a violation of the city's 35-foot height limit-would be made possible if developers provide a "bonus" to the city such as public art, creek restoration, horse trails or other projects.
The design elements required under the Specific Plan will force developers to include balconies and elements that present a more varied look than a master-planned mall.
And while opponents worried about density problems, officials say the Agoura Village "floor area ratio" (the size of a building compared to its lot) is about one-third less intense than what is allowed under the city's current General Plan.
"It won't be a massive, monumental look," Cook said.
The city's goal is to allow the project to develop "organically," and to avoid a "cookiecutter" design, Cook said.

More of this to come

2006-11-09T02:51:00.000-08:00

Apparently, the Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel wants to staff its driveways with Valet Girls, which according to their all-Flash website, is:

Our Valet parking team is comprised of stunning women that are models, singers, actors & dancers. We don't just park cars, we provide entertainment. All the beautiful ladies are professionally trained in providing the highest level of guest service and safety. Clients may request from a variety of uniforms such as: Chic & Elegant (all black attire), Tank tops, Capri pants, camisoles, mini skirts, bikinis and lingerie. Clients may customize a uniform for their event. No men. No red vests... just a team of gracious, sexy and skilled women.

If this is going on basically right next door to City Hall, what do you think the 24 hour area of Agoura Village is going to bring to our quiet bedroom community?

Stand with us and stop the Agoura Hills City council’s plans to line their pockets and the pockets of the developers as the strip this community of all that is good.

78 Votes was the difference

2006-11-08T01:59:00.000-08:00

LVMWD - Board OF Directors DIV 3
Candidate

LEE RENGER 1591 Votes %51.26

MARY ALTMANN 1,513 Votes %48.74

Registration 7,836
Precincts Reporting 11
Total Precincts 11
% Precincts Reporting 100

Congratulations Mr. Renger

2006-11-05T13:24:00.001-08:00

One of Us, Supports One of Us.

Copy from The Acorn November 2, 2006

Vote for Altmann

In a political climate where there is not always a good choice of candidates for elected office, I am pleased to support Mary Altmann for the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Board of Directors.

Mary has the intelligence, communication skills and strong commitment to our community and environmental values essential to the role of an effective director. She will be an excellent advocate for and representative of the people of our district.

Please join me in voting Mary Altmann on the board of the LVMWD.

Steve Hess Agoura

2006-11-01T05:26:00.000-08:00

Cydney Cornell's thoughts

What are the stores proposed?
Cold Stone Creamery?
Victoria's Secret?
What do we need that we don't have in Agoura?
A WholeFoods Market, a Teen Center or Bowling Alley? Maybe.
There are unfilled parking lots at the Topanga Mall and the Oaks Mall.
Have any of you ever been outside of the USA? This building mania is not necessary.
Just because we have the open space doesn't mean we have to fill it up with junk like our backyards or garages.
If Agoura needs the revenue to stay in business, I vote for paying higher taxes, not putting up more junk stores to get revenue from the ignorant. I would rather not buy cheesy foreign made clothes that fallapart after a couple of washings.
I would rather not take my family to a resturant that doesn't care about nutrition or flavor.
It is a great responsibility to have undeveloped landand we must intelligently approach that responsibility with the future of our children's welfare in mind.
Once our land is covered with cement we have destroyed it forever. I don't believe a traffic circle could be gracefully managed by the honking morons whom I encounter everyday at that busy corner of Agoura Road and Kanan Road.
I do not want to drive through a shopping mall to take my child to and from school each day.
This plan is not respectful, beautiful or responsible.
I want to see an accurate rendition of what is intended to be built.I want to know that the city of Agoura doesn't have a hidden agenda or self serving advocates of the project.
I want to know that bids have been submitted competitively for "potential construction".:
I want to know that this is really what the citizens of Agoura and Agoura Hills need and want.
Why don't we modernize the existing malls on Kanan surrounding Thousand Oaks Boulevard?
What is to become of those shops if we build new ones on theother side of the freeway? Derelict?
I want to know that all those impacted have had fairwarning.

Cydney Cornell
Proud 7 1/2 year resident of Malibou Lake MountainClub

2006-10-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

On Thursday October 27th we hosted a fact finding meeting at the Malibou Lake Mountain Club facility at 29033 Lake Vista Dr.

The turn out was approximately 40 or so. The most refreshing part was the caliber of the attendees; all of the turn out was more than just aware of the Agoura Hills City Councils plans for the Agoura Village project and the council’s desire for the project regardless of any individuals or agencies disapproval.

The hour and a half long meeting was focused on the update to the pending lawsuit and the organization of a committee to concentrate on managing the resources found at the meeting. Also we have the email server running and we are beta testing the web site along with verifying the content with the attorneys. As soon as it is ready and we receive the green light from legal we will notify all of you the launch date of StopAgouraVillage.com

Please feel free to contact us at Action@StopAgouraVillage.com with any ideas, suggestions, questions or input you have

Thank you all for taking the time to help us stop this monster from becoming a reality in our small slice of paradise called Agoura.

The next scheduled meeting is again at the Malibou Lake Club house Thursday November 16th at 7:30 pm