Homeowner opposes Lowe’s home center

This letter is to alert you to a situation that will greatly affect the quality of life here in Westlake Village. I am the treasurer of the Renaissance Homeowners Association and have lived there since its inception. I have heard rumblings about Lowe’s Home Improvement wanting to purchase the property located just east of Pierce Brothers Cemetery on Russell Ranch Road.

I figured this would be a dead issue since the city council had already considered the idea of a retail project when Investment Development Services (IDS) asked if they could build another office building.

According to The Acorn, "They asked IDS to consider developing a retail facility instead. After examining the shopping center idea, IDS and city planners found several obstacles. The traffic problems were impossible to solve, they said, and they agreed to stick with the office complex."

Now, it seems that Lowe’s has hired Al Abrams, who by the way led the fight against Home Depot in Agoura. I find it quite ironic that when I helped gather signatures to fight Home Depot, Al Abrams was my direct contact. Hmmm, seems like he is just a hired gun willing to do anything for money.

The scope of this is too enormous for our small area. Right now it is predominately office buildings which have been built by IDS. They add minimal traffic and have been maintained perfectly since they were built. IDS is a welcome builder and has worked closely with our HOA to run plans past us before implementation.

We now have major traffic from the Costco and the Westlake Market Place that is quite unruly. With the new Dole Spa/Hotel Fitness Center that is being constructed, the traffic will become impossible. I have spoken to a number of my neighbors and they are also against this and agree that the traffic, laborers and late-night deliveries will cause nothing but problems for our small community.

I implore everyone to contact city officials and tell them this is an improper use of the property and will require amendment of the general plan. We do not need another big box here in Westlake Village.

Cheryl Tabbi

Westlake Village