At long last, Agoura Village

A specific plan for the Agoura Village concept in Agoura Hills has been completed and released for public review.

At last week’s Agoura Hills City Council meeting, officials unveiled a 122-page document that outlines details of a revitalization project that will transform the area along Agoura Road east of Kanan Road into a pedestrianfriendly development that mixes retail, office space, restaurants, entertainment, services and residential living.

Other documents, including the draft environmental impact report, are near completion.

Joyce Parker, a special projects planner for the city, called the project “unique,” and announced a public workshop will be conducted at city hall on Oct. 11.

After the workshop, city officials will accept comments from the public, followed by a 45-day draft environmental impact review period, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. Both the Agoura Hills planning commission and the city council will conduct separate public hearing on both documents.

Councilmember Denis Weber compared the project to Old Town in Pasadena. “This is so much lovelier,” he said, adding the process has been “long and arduous.”

“The public needs to understand that the city is not the developer,” said Agoura Hills Mayor Ed Corridori. He said during the 12 years the city has discussed the Agoura Village concept, many businesses have expressed interest in the property south of the 101 freeway. The council has received proposals for a Kohl’s department store, lube and oil shops and strip malls.

“It was probably a little heavyhanded of us to do this plan the way we did it, but it’s good for the city,” Corridori said. Agoura Village, he said, will be a “unique and attractive” place for residents throughout the area to visit.

Councilmember Jeff Reinhardt said that the Village plan will afford the city a center, “a sense of place.”

“We are at the gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains,” Reinhardt said. “I’d rather that it took awhile and get the public involved and end up with a project done properly.”

The idea for the Agoura Village plan was proactive, according to Councilmember Dan Kuperberg. He said that rather than accept what developers bring to the council, the specific plan will serve as a “blueprint” of what type of development

he council wants for the area.

The specific plan covers 135 acres of developed and undeveloped areas. About 66 acres are vacant, according to officials.

Residential projects will be lim

ted in the village area, the report said.

According to the document, “Residential uses will only be allowed as part of an integrated mixed-use project concept. An important goal of the Plan is to limit the total amount of residential development in the Village to create a vibrant village and pedestrian-oriented mixed-use environment.”

Two of the three creeks that traverse the area, Medea Creek and Chesebro Creek, will be restored to a more natural state. Lindero Creek, in the western portion of the project area, will be maintained in its natural state.

The report also states weaknesses of the plan, including limited population around the proposed village area.

Another challenge facing developers is that the existing centers in the area are not currently connected, which detracts from the desired town center ambience. The plan calls for “refocusing development along both sides of Agoura Road . . . to create more of a community environment.” The plan calls for Whizins, the Agoura Cinema Center, Wood Ranch, Padri and other businesses and restaurants to be linked.

The proximity of the Santa Monica Mountains recreation area is incorporated into the plan. The existing equestrian trail along Agoura Road at Cornell will be enhanced, and a new equestrian facility is recommended. All the private businesses within the village will be required to provide bike racks.

The document is available for preview at the Agoura Hills library or for purchase. The plan also will be available on a CD and will be posted on the city’s website at www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us/.