Opposes Lowe’s for many reasons

Why do I oppose building a Lowe’s in Westlake Village? Let me count the ways:

There will be traffic problems.

The freeway exit at Lindero Canyon Road is well designed and may be able to handle the increased traffic. But the surface streets are another story.

The intersection of Lindero and Thousand Oaks Boulevard is particularly problematic with the turn lanes frequently filled to overflowing. A Lowe’s would add thousands more cars spilling out of North Ranch and Thousand Oaks.

Lowe’s has been disingenuous in promoting the project. Their recent mailing included an artist’s rendition showing shops and restaurants featured prominently in the foreground and a tiny little Lowe’s tucked away in the back. But the fact is thatLowe’s (168,000 square feet) would be nearly triple the size of all the other stores and restaurants (60,000 square feet) put together.

The restaurants might never be built. Did you know that Lowe’s promised restaurants prior to building its store in Ventura and that those restaurants pads are still empty?

A Lowe’s isn’t necessary. I have no problem with Costco, since there are no other stores like it in the area and it fills a real need. But there are two Do-it Centers within five minutes of the proposed site. And for larger projects, the Home Depot on Wendy Drive is less than 15 minutes away.

Why do supporters of Lowe’s, many of whom spend hours a day commuting to work, find such a short drive so unreasonable?

It just doesn’t make sense. Has anyone on the city council thought about how bizarre it would be to have a Four Seasons and a Lowe’s within a mile of each other? It’ll be like opening a hot dog stand next to Spago.

Westlake Village is a prestigious community and it’s important for both us and our property values that we keep it that way and not start down that slippery slope to suburban sprawl.

Matt Healy Westlake Village