Commission approves

By Stephanie Bertholdo
bertholdo@theacorn.com

Three times was the charm for Alesco Development, LLC, a Woodland Hills firm that scaled down their office project enough to win approval from the Agoura Hills Planning Commission to build eight Tuscan-styled office buildings in a "campus-style" design. The development will be located at the intersections of Agoura Road, Chesebro Road, and Palo Comado Canyon Road in Agoura Hills.

In a continued public hearing at last week’s planning commission meeting, John Maddux, a Westlake Village attorney representing Alesco Development, presented the smaller plan to commissioners and local residents. The project will be built on varying elevations at the site, and the buildings will be sold individually, similar to a condominium project, he said. It will be governed by an association much like a shared residential community. The density reduction and variety of architectural enhancements will blend well in the semi-rural area, according to city officials.

The commissioners unanimously approved (4-0, with Curtis Zacuto absent) Alesco’s request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to reconfigure ten existing lots to develop the eight two-story office buildings. The variance on lot coverage, building setbacks, parking and landscaping was also approved, as was the removal of two oak trees and encroachment of two additional oak trees. A last-minute public works condition was added: rather than "red curbing" Palo Camado Canyon Road, "No Parking" signage will mark the area.

Commissioners grappled with several issues before finding for the applicant. At the commissioners’ request in a previous meeting, the firm eliminated a building and presented an altered plan that brought one of the more prominent buildings in line with Agoura Road. The new design removed the need for a setback variance. After public testimony and ample discussion, however, it was found that the revised plan would not afford additional privacy for the residents living behind the project and would lose its visual appeal. The better plan included the variance.

Several residents gave public testimony, mostly in favor of the project. Mary Kopitzke, who lives near the project site, said that the developer, Alan Young, was extremely cooperative. "Everything we asked of them to date he has done," she said.

Joan Yacovone, former mayor of Agoura Hills and president of the Las Virgenes Homeowners Association, voiced concern over the amount of space between the buildings.

Agoura Hills resident and business owner Jack Daniels called the project smart, unique and elegant.

A.J. Ponsiglione, a resident who lives directly behind the proposed development, said that he had an issue with the size of the building that would be closest to his home. He said the building will tower over four homes, although he supported the angled design of the building.

Maddux explained that the extensive landscaping—especially the trees—will obscure the mass of the building from the four homes.

With one building removed, the other buildings were realigned to add space between the buildings. One building features a parapet or "tower" element, which was reduced in size from 33 feet to 27 feet, 10 inches. Parking was also reduced but still provided more spaces than required due to the possibility of medical uses in the future. The plan calls for a total of 288 parking spaces, with 130 designated subterranean. Altogether, there will be eight handicapped parking spaces.

According to the staff report, the buildings will range in size from 4,462 square feet to 13,075 square feet, on 4.13 acres. The total square footage is now 63,208 square feet, down by 3,960 square feet from the original proposal. Lot covered is now at 19 percent. Three subterranean parking structures will house about half of the parking and maximize the use of the land. The project was designed to meet the needs of smaller business owners.

Vice Chairman Phil Ramuno said, "This is one of the finest commercial projects to come before (the planning commission)."

Chairman William Koehler said that while it had been a long, slow road, the current project was much improved. "The spirit of the ordinance has been met," he said.