Keep the citizens involved

Residents of Calabasas go to the polls Nov. 8 to cast an advisory vote regarding the proposed annexation and construction of the Malibu Valley Inn and Spa. The ballot question, which is meant to be a public opinion gauge only and not the final say on the project, reads as follows:

“Should Calabasas annex 152 acres on Mulholland Highway east of Las Virgenes Road for the Malibu Valley Inn and Spa—a 203-room resort, five estate homes, facilities for swimming, equestrian use, tennis, fitness spa, restaurant, winery, shops, conference rooms and underground parking, as described in the project’s draft environmental impact report— in lieu of up to 81 estate homes on 443 acres if not annexed?”

It’s one of the most important land use issues facing the city since the development of The Commons shopping center almost a decade ago. The Acorn poll, which can be viewed at www.theacorn.com, will give an early indication of how residents feel about the Santa Monica Mountains resort. Over 70 percent of the vote so far is opposed to the inn and spa, but it’s early. We urge the Calabasas citizens to make their voice heard at the polls in November, when it counts.

The city of Agoura Hills is seeking citizen input on important land use matters also. Residents Tuesday attended an open house at city hall to discuss the Agoura Village concept, a proposed development that would transform Agoura Road between Kanan and Cornell roads into a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented town center with shops, restaurants, condos and other features.

Agoura Village represents a grandiose vision that may take years before it finally comes to fruition, but the timely completion of the environmental impact report and the recognition by city officials that the citizens need to be part of the planning process is a sign that the project is off to a good start.

Growth in Calabasas and growth in Agoura Hills is inevitable. Both cities are doing the right thing by keeping their development plans transparent and keeping the residents in the loop.