Religious school in a ‘mess’

One point regarding the Heschel debate that many seem to miss is that Heschel purchased their land far below market value, precisely because it was not zoned for high density use and knowing full well that a conditional use permit could only be granted under current zoning to a local school.

It’s my understanding that of Heschel’s current enrollment, only 25 percent live in Agoura. According to their own traffic study, of the proposed 750 students, only 100 would come from Agoura and the rest from places that range from Malibu to Valencia. Calling Heschel a “local school” is like complimenting the naked emperor on his new invisible suit.

The Oaks Christian School purchased property that was appropriately zoned for a regional campus. As a result, they were not required to submit an environmental impact report or request a conditional use permit under the false pretense that they are local.

In truth, if Heschel had paid fair market value for an appropriate non-residential site, instead of wasting their money on seven years of legal fees to put a square peg in a round hole, they would not be in this mess of their own making. Larry Brown Agoura Hills