Consultant hired for city’s general plan

A Pasadena consulting firm will begin updating the city of Agoura Hills general plan and environmental impact report.

P&D Consultants will be paid up to $60,000 for the work, officials said.

The general plan update and the environmental report will take several years to complete and will focus on land use and transportation issues, according to the city.

A survey of Agoura Hills residents was conducted in July and 950 responses were received out of 7,200 mailed.

P&D Consultants will analyze the results of the survey during the first phase of the update and conduct 30 to 60 minute interviews with up to 15 key members of the community to “gain a broad understanding of the issues of concern to residents. . . .”

Residents, property owners, business owners, and civic leaders are expected to participate in these interviews, according to the consultant’s proposal.

A joint meeting also will be conducted with the Agoura Hills City Council, Planning Commission and General Plan Advisory Commission to further define issues that should be addressed in the general plan. According to the report, this meeting will be open to the public.

“During the first phase of the project, our objective will be to listen to community members and learn as much as we can about the history, environment, important issues, and future opportunities that Agoura Hills residents share,” said the consultant’s report. “We will also work closely with city leaders to understand their vision for their city.”

The consultants will study market trends for residential and commercial development, including data about vacancy and lease rates for office, industrial, hotel and retail markets.

Phase I of the general plan update is expected to be completed by June.

In 1993 P&D Consultants, formerly known as Cotton, Beland/ Associates, prepared the general plan the city currently uses.