City wants input on Plaza turnaround

Fragile or disabled attendees at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza performances may be dropped off at the turnaround on the third level of city hall during the turnaround's trial period.

In the interest of public safety, a uniformed attendant opens up the turnaround when someone with a handicap placard or special needs comes to the theater. The attendant removes the barricades that usually block that area from vehicle traffic, and the driver may go up to the theater area, drop off the passenger and then park in the structure or leave the complex.

During the trial period, which ends in mid-September, the city is hoping to get feedback from theater patrons. When the trial is over, the turnaround will undergo design changes to improve its appearance and provide a safer walkway for visitors coming to the theater and city hall.

The proposed changes include a new drop-off and pickup zone in the parking structure near the thirdlevel elevators and a large dropoff and pickup area for buses.

Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2008 and to be completed in winter 2009.

Two 30minute box office parking spots have recently been added inside the parking structure on the same level as the turnaround.

For more information or to give suggestions or comments, call Linda Pappas Díaz at (805) 449-2121 or e-mail jpappasdiaz @toaks.org.

- Nancy Needham