City should approve expansion plans for The Oaks

The smartest thing the city of Thousand Oaks can do is approve the plan for expansion and renovation of The Oaks mall and get on with it. (See story on page 7.)

One of the greatest assets to our city is The Oaks, the area's only regional shopping center. It produces sales tax revenue that helps pay for city improvements and programs. A large shopping center is also a necessity for any community that has the population of greater Conejo Valley.

Despite the fact that nobody can turn back the clock, some people will try. The usual gang of anti-development fanatics will chirp their sorry songs when the public hearings begin. They will tell us the sky is falling and that the end is near. Either that or we're becoming an extension of the San Fernando Valley, which may be worse.

As self-proclaimed "environmentalists," they will shout that expansion of The Oaks will clog our streets and pollute our air. They will ignore, of course, that one-stop shopping close to home actually reduces vehicle trips and travel time, and keeps the tax money here, which can help pay for mass transit services.

The facelift will help The Oaks keep its existing shoppers and attract new ones. It's a nice mall, but it's showing its age. The Oaks needs the latest retailers, exceptional restaurants and expanded parking. These features will bring life and vitality that will ensure the mall's future success.

Despite the benefits, a vocal minority will again scream and holler in opposition to the expansion plan. What they won't say is what they really want: "Tear down the mall and let the land return to its natural state"-which is a perfect habitat for chaparral, snakes and rabbits-but not much for shoppers.

Council members should listen carefully to all of the critics' gripes and complaints, and then approve the renovation plan without comment.