Proposed recreation facility may be jeopardized by the traffic initiative
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

Thousand Oaks could be a lot more fun for everyone if the traffic congestion initiative doesn't scare off prospective developers.

The hope for a recreation project is still in its earliest stages, but the city is moving forward to make a dream come true for many residents who'd like to see the 10-acre site now occupied by Conejo High School turned into a venue for family activities.

Just the possibility of having a miniature golf course, ice skating rink and a bowling alley in Thousand Oaks has excited residents, according to Gary Wartik, city economic development manager.

The historic landmark area on the corner of Newbury Park and East Kelly roads in Newbury Park is on a site formerly known as Timber School, built in 1924. That school and another of the oldest public buildings in the Conejo Valley, built in 1948, are to remain intact.

But when the new continuation high school that's expected to be built next to the school district's headquarters on Janss Road near the 23 Freeway is completed, the city is hoping to turn the old site in the Newbury Park area into a commercial playground.

The city issued a request in October for businesses interested in partnering with the city to develop that area. Nine businesses responded, Wartik said.

After a selection process, the number went down to four. Now there are two developers looking into working with the city on the project, Wartik said.

"I can't emphasize enough how this is a very early stage of proposals, concepts and gathering data- there is still a school on that site," Wartik said.

Still, the city has found many residents who are interested in helping the plan go forward. Some have contacted the city staff directly; others have come to City Council meetings and, during times for public comments, expressed their hopes that family activities will be brought to the area, he said.

People writing letters to the newspapers and attending City Council meetings to give input on the proposed project are helpful, Wartik said.

The facility could be about 150,000 square feet with lots of greenery, he said.

If the proposed traffic initiative is passed by voters in June, the project could trigger the need for another vote by the people because it exceeds 100,000 square feet and could bring more traffic to the area.

During a Feb. 5 council meeting, consultants noted it might cost developers more to build in Thousand Oaks even if the people eventually vote in favor of the development.

A developer might be discouraged from building here because of the high cost of doing business in Thousand Oaks.