Letter had it wrong on Oak Creek

I would like to correct some of the misinformation in a letter in last week’s Acorn about the Snyder apartment project at Canwood and Kanan.

First, no "Promenade-like" project was ever proposed for that site. The "Riverwalk" project a few years ago, disguised by a beautiful picture in a full-page Acorn ad, was a Wal-Mart.

Many residents and our own Chamber of Commerce actually came out in support of Riverwalk. The city council wisely said no. Other proposals include retail that flattened all the hills on the site and channelized the creek. One proposal included a movie theater immediately adjacent the Annandale residents. The council said no.

The Snyder apartments (there are 335, not 400) will have far less traffic and environmental impacts that any previous proposal on that site. Its one- and two-bedroom units are not expected to generate many school-age children. Probably less than 100 at most—certainly not 500 as the writer suggests. The school district did not oppose the project and will receive $1 million in sorely needed fees from it. No previous proposal helped the schools to this degree.

Snyder will also help the traffic situation by contributing roughly $6 million in fees, roadwork and right-of-way for the Kanan interchange improvements. This would be the equivalent of a $900 assessment for every household in the city, and roughly double that amount were the city to have to bond to do the work.

It also allows the city to meet our state-mandated housing allotment and thereby protects us from losing certain state funds if we fell out of compliance. The proposed hotel on Canwood will generate significant revenue without the traffic impacts of intense retail.

Lastly, the assertion that this project was a "back-door move" is simply wrong. Every aspect was discussed at numerous public televised meetings, with public comment at every step along the way. Mr. Snyder even held public workshops of his own to maximize public input at the earliest possible stages.

Any member of the community who wants accurate information on anything going on around town should call city hall. Our staff is extremely accessible and will be happy to talk with you at any time.

Louise Rishoff

Councilmember

Agoura Hills