January 12, 2006

Town hall meetings put Lowe's on defensive

Officials faced a barrage of questions and comments from Westlake Village residents during two town hall meetings last week regarding the proposed Lowe's retail development in Westlake Village.

The first meeting at First Neighborhood Community Center and the second at Calvary Community Church gave planners and city staff a chance to talk about the Lowe's history and its environmental impact report and to respond to questions and comments from the public.

Most residents at the meetings expressed concern, if not deep frustration, over the proposed 227,000-square-foot development. Residents said the project will negatively impact traffic and air quality and potentially shutter the area's smaller hardware stores.

Nearly 150 residents attended the meeting on Thursday, while the Saturday session drew about 100.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Bruno said he was pleased with the turnouts for both meetings.

"I'm really, really pleased that we've woken up the sleeping giant," Bruno said.

"These meetings were a good opportunity for residents to get the facts on our development," said Charles Rotkin, the project's lead developer. "Residents had a chance to ask questions from the experts. . .and I think that once all the facts are laid out. . .people will see the Town Center is the best choice."

The $45 million development includes a 168,000-square-foot Lowe's hardware store on a 22acre lot off Russell Ranch Road just north of the 101 Freeway. In addition to the hardware store, Rotkin Real Estate Group has submitted plans to develop 62,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space on the property.

The development will also feature a 20,000-square-foot highend car dealership.

The land is zoned for a 376,000-square-foot office park. If Lowe's fails to pass, it's likely a four-story office building will be constructed on the now vacant lot.

Planning officials compared the impact of Lowe's versus the offices.

According to officials, the Lowe's development would generate an additional 65,000 daily trips per week around the shopping center, while the office space would generate some 22,000 additional trips.

"I go to school in that area and it's hard enough to get their on time," local resident Kelsy Koenig said. "The extra developments will just make the traffic worse and make it that much more difficult for me to get to school."

Besides the expected time delays, residents said the increase in traffic would be dangerous.

"I've already witnessed a lot accidents at [the intersection of Lindero and Russell Ranch Road]," said Curt Knabe, president of the Renaissance Homeowner's Association.

"This project will just increase the likelihood of there being more accidents," Knabe said.

But city officials said road construction already is underway to help alleviate the traffic problems.

Some residents pointed out the city would be required to write the state and explain why the project should be built even though it significantly affects air quality.

"Why is the city even considering this?" Westlake resident Adalene Moothart said. "We moved to Westlake Village because of its quaint feel, and now they want to destroy it by constructing this blight."

Although CB Richard Ellis, the consulting firm hired to write the project's fiscal impact report, said Lowe's would not be economically detrimental to the area, residents remained concerned that the smaller hardware suppliers would have a tough time competing with the larger store.

"The one good thing is we have a cemetery from Pierce Brothers where we can bury all the small businesses," said Bob Wilson, former Thousand Oaks mayor.

Experts with CB Richard Ellis said the local economy can sustain the Lowe's store. According to the report, the Lowe's would attract area residents who currently buy in neighboring cities.

The economic study took into account all hardware stores in the Conejo Valley, as well as stores in West Hills, Calabasas, Moorpark and Simi Valley. According to the report, there are 16 competing stores, including two Home Depots, a Lowe's, three Do-It Centers and two Sears stores.

"These meetings were a good opportunity for residents to get the facts on our development," said Charles Rotkin, the project's lead developer. "Residents had a chance to ask questions from the experts. . .and I think that once all the facts are laid out. . .people will see the (Lowe's) Town Center is the best choice."

Although the council will vote on Lowe's Jan. 18, city council members are tight-lipped on how they plan to vote.

"I would say that I'm trying to remain open," Westlake Village Mayor Susan McSweeney said. "I wouldn't say a particular comment swayed me, but it's all in the big mix. It's hard to say exactly how you come to a big decision, but. . .on some level, everything you hear comes into that."