Company’s policy is only lip service

Rockwell Scientific Company continues its efforts to develop a large portion of its research site in Thousand Oaks, property which we were told would remain open space as a buffer between the environmentally sensitive Arroyo Conejo and surrounding homes. When Rockwell expanded in the 1980s we were assured they would not seek further development. Now they don’t remember saying that.

Rockwell Scientific describes the Thousand Oaks research and development campus as “77 acres of beautiful hillside land with a panoramic view of Thousand Oaks.” Now it wants to develop most of it, land which we were told would not be developed.

Rockwell Scientific’s ethics statement says their company conducts business “according to the highest ethical standards. Integrity is the cornerstone of the way RSC does business. Ethical conduct is not only the right thing to do, it is good business.”

Rockwell’s recent actions have been just the opposite.

At a recent meeting, representatives of Rockwell showed photo simulations of the proposed development. However, they did not include one of the most environmentally sensitive areas next to the Arroyo Conejo. When asked out it, they did not answer.

Is that ethical?

The simulations of the homes on top of a hill showed trees blocking the view of the homes. Do they really think “view homes” will have trees blocking the view?

Is this an ethical representation?

Rockwell signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” with Lynn Ranch Property Owners Association regarding conditions for development. But at the meeting, the Rockwell representative could not assure us that the builder, Warmington Homes, would abide by that memorandum. Rockwell said they would do certain things, but they continue doing the opposite.

Are such actions ethical?

It seems Rockwell Scientific Company needs to revise its ethics statement or revise their actions. Michael J. Weigand Thousand Oaks