Development

By Jeffrey M. "Jeff" Reinhardt

A detailed look at development issues facing Agoura Hills

As a member of the City Council and before that, the Planning Commission, I have worked and voted to establish and maintain very high standards for developments seeking to locate in our city.

My first priority lies with the homeowners of our city and what is in their best interests. My voting record over 10 years of city service supports that statement.

RESIDENTIAL From a residential standpoint, our city is almost built-out. Small infill projects occasionally arise and concerns are addressed on a case-by-case basis. I have met with representatives of several homeowners associations to hear their input and concerns relative to proposed projects. I have voted to preserve the tranquility of residential neighborhoods abutting other zones, choosing to seek better uses for commercial and retail zones as opposed to reducing the quality of life for our residents. I believe there is an opportunity to develop some residential rental property in our city that meets our high standards while providing young people and seniors an opportunity to remain in the city as valued residents.

COMMERCIAL The US 101 corridor is both a challenge and an opportunity for our city. The challenge has been to attract commercial buildings that can provide quality jobs for our residents and others. If quality jobs are located here, it is possible to both live and work in our city, eliminating lengthy freeway commutes and freeing parents to participate in school and youth sports activities. Our city has high standards for commercial buildings. We strictly adhere to a 35-foot height limit and emphasize projects that are attractive and blend in with our surroundings. The new office campus at Kanan and Canwood is an example of what can be done when the city and a quality developer cooperate. Even small projects like the Unocal at Canwood and Reyes Adobe and the USA gas station at Kanan and Agoura show strong attention to detail and you must admit, they are not like typical gas stations you would find anywhere else. What land that remains available in our corridor must be developed with the utmost care. I will continue to demand the best efforts from those who seek to locate projects in our city.

Commercial uses like office space tend to be benign. For the most part, they generate little traffic, they are empty nights and weekends and they place a very low demand on city resources. They also generate very little in the way of revenue for the city. A few years ago, city voters rejected a business utility tax and we live within that decision. The city has no gross receipts tax; the only fee applicable to businesses is a $35/year business registration fee. Council direction on office buildings has been to minimize the impacts to our community, construct quality buildings in a campus setting and avoid the "chrome and glass" look.

Finally, we cannot simply "stop" development. The courts hold that property owners have a right to do something with their land. Our challenge, as a city, is to gain the best possible deal for our city in terms of an attractive project that reflects our high standards while it minimizes the impacts on our residents. That's why we don't have six and ten story buildings in our city, or development creeping up the side of Ladyface Mountain.

RETAIL

Retail development is an important component. Most of your city's income is derived from sales tax. While some cities have "sold out" to big sales tax producers such as auto malls, shopping malls and clusters of "big box" stores, Agoura Hills has taken a prudent stance on low-impact businesses.

Freestanding stores, small shopping centers and gasoline retailers are at the core of your city's retail-derived revenues. Attractive facilities such as Reed's Furniture and the new NW Rugs store add unique character to our city while contributing in other ways, such as to road improvements, the removal of billboards and the undergrounding of utility lines.

Agoura Village This is a project envisioned by the city starting at Kanan and Agoura Roads and stretching east toward Cornell Road and perhaps beyond. We have engaged in a study that highlights what types of a "village" environment can be created in these boundaries that may become a focal point for our city. The prospect of small shops like book & coffees, patisseries, small restaurants and the like sounds appealing when blended with special "heritage" architecture and the backdrop of the Santa Monica mountains. Public gathering places and equestrian accommodations are components that can be blended in and a "mixed use" element of housing and shops can create a continuing vitality for this exciting concept. Your city council has directed that a study be commenced that explores the opportunities on bringing this vision to reality. We have also established an Agoura Village overlay zone to set the tone for any proposed development in this area.

A Big Box in Agoura Hills?

Is a "big box" store correct for Agoura Hills? There are many opinions for and against such a project. My position is that we must weigh the facts and make a decision on the matter if and when a formal application is made for such a project.

There has been much misinformation circulating about a proposed project along Agoura Road. To date, there is not a complete application for the project. Four different developers have attempted projects in that area, to date, none has been successful. If and when an application is presented, it will require the submission of an Environmental Impact Report which will include traffic, water and biota studies. Architectural designs must be submitted. The community would have an ample opportunity to examine the information and participate in the decision making process at open public meetings of the Planning Commission and City Council.

Contrary to misinformation published elsewhere, there is no "fast track" for the proposal, nor is it a "done deal." The city did not initiate the proposal, it came from the private sector. Any project of magnitude submitted to our city must adhere to our established development, architectural and impact mitigation standards and pass through the Planning process. There are no short cuts.

As a person who is in a position to render a decision on the viability of a large project, I must withhold judgment on the proposal until the relevant facts are known. To do otherwise could compromise the process and possibly result in being disqualified from the decision if it should come before me. I am committed to the principals of fairness on this and any other matter. I appreciate your support of that position. This is not Afghanistan - we don't announce a verdict and then hold the trial. Let's get the facts.

I also believe you elect city council members to exercise their best judgment on your behalf. I have demonstrated that judgment over a ten-year period. Along with the decisions of my colleagues and predecessors on the council, our city is a much better place today. Remember - I don't accept contributions from special interests. The only interest I have is what is best for our city and its residents.

Ahmanson Ranch While not in our city, the proposed Ahmanson Ranch project could have many adverse effects on our region. Located entirely in Ventura County, all of its impacts fall squarely on Los Angeles County. This is poor planning. Ventura County gets the property tax revenues while we get the consequences.

Agoura Hills is directly impacted. Children who live at Ahmanson Ranch would have to be transported to Oak Park Schools. This means they would add a tremendous load to the existing problems at the Kanan interchange and Kanan Road twice a day. This is but one negative consequence; there are many more related to just transportation, including the addition of thousands of commuter and service vehicles to the US 101 freeway each day.

I am also deeply concerned about the environmental impacts pertaining to the Malibu watershed, the endangered species already discovered on the project site and the added burden to already stretched water, sewage treatment and electrical supplies. Please join me and our neighboring communities in opposing this project.