Heschel West will cost the city

We have heard many arguments, both pro and con, with respect to the Heschel West Day School's application for a conditional use permit. But what has not been emphasized enough is the fact that this project, located in the county of Los Angeles, will have its most significant financial impact on the city of Agoura Hills and its residents.

If approved, the Heschel West Day School will require the construction and improvement of roads for ingress and egress as well as traffic lighting systems which may be a condition of approval. There is also a potential obligation to construct a roundabout. On page 9 of a recent supplemental environmental impact report analysis, found in our local library, we note in the admission by Heschel West Day School that they will be obligated to pay their fair share of this construction and expense.

The question is, what is this "fair share" and what will be the cost to Agoura Hills? The cost to Agoura Hills will be significant. Our city would provide funds to finance the new traffic patterns, reconstruct roads, add traffic lighting and other necessary modifications. This cost to our city would reduce the funds that are otherwise available for our city services, schools, parks and other public use. What hurts is, this is a regional school, with probably less than two percent of the students residing in Agoura Hills.

Where is the justification for Agoura Hills to spend millions of dollars for a private school. What contribution, if any, to Agoura Hills or its residents does this school offer? Need I say more?
George Colman
Agoura Hills