Senior housing approved for Agoura Hills

The third time was the charm for a local developer who won approval from the Agoura Hills City Council to proceed with a senior housing project along the south side of Agoura Road, near the foot of Ladyface Mountain.

Developer Carlos Khantzis, who was represented by Brad Rosenheim at last week’s meeting, was given the green light to seek an amendment to the Ladyface Mountain Specific plan.

The plan outlines specifications for commercial development, but since the senior housing will have fewer impacts, city officials will allow the project to go forward.

Khantzis first wanted to develop a senior housing project on the seven-acre parcel in 2002, then again in February 2005. Council members did not approve of the sprawl of the initial proposal, which called for 48 units in 10 buildings, nor of creating a gated community.

Khantzis heeded the city’s advice with a proposal that provides 46 attached senior housing condominiums within two buildings.

The developer added a bonus offer to the city—a donation of a 3,400-square-foot senior center that could be used by the entire community.

The residential units will be designed in the city’s signature craftsman style as seen in the city hall and the Agoura Hills library buildings.

The homes will be between 1,800 and 2,000 square feet, and each building will feature underground parking. The buildings would be separated by an aboveground guest parking lot and the proposed senior center.

Council members were unanimous in their praise for the project.

Councilmember John Edelston liked the idea of the underground parking, but wanted more information on the architectural design. “The devil’s in the details,” he said, adding that “craftsman styling” could mean many things.

According to the report, the project would produce less traffic than a business park, have no impact on local schools and provide more open space areas.

Councilmember Bill Koehler said the project met the spirit and intent of the Ladyface Specific Plan. “The impact will be less,” he said.

Councilmember Harry Schwarz said the senior housing would require minimal grading.

“I hope you set the bar for everybody else in town,” Councilmember Dan Kuperberg said.

Mayor Denis Weber agreed and said the project would be a “benign use of the Ladyface Mountain area.”

Why senior housing? Experts estimate that during the next 20 years, more than 75 million Americans will be reaching retirement age.

“The housing needs for this group is unique and for the most part has been ignored,” the developer’s report stated.

Federal and state laws are recommending—and sometimes mandating—that cities include senior housing in their general plans.

In a Nutshell

•Project: The Park at Ladyface Mountain, a senior housing community

•Location: South side of Agoura Road, Agoura Hills

•Scope of project: 46 units in two buildings

•Size of proposed units: 1,800 to 2,000 square feet

•Extras: 3,400-squarefoot senior center for use by the entire community