Mixed-use boulevard may include tall buildings

Multistory buildings averaging 55 feet in height would be part of the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Association's mixeduse proposal, which will be presented to the City Council in May.

Some buildings would be taller, some smaller, to provide variety, said Rick Principe, TOBA chair.

Tall buildings aren't new to Thousand Oaks Boulevard, where hotels, office buildings, and the Civic Arts Plaza and its parking structure have multiple stories, Principe said.

During the March 11 community outreach meeting, a promise was made that there would be no high-rise buildings, but the term "high-rise" wasn't specifically defined. No skyscrapers will be proposed, but structures with at least four stories will be included.

The buildings, if approved, could provide not only shopping outlets but also affordable apartments, professional offices and sidewalk cafes.

The vision described by Principe and TOBA vice chair Rick Lemmo included pedestrianfriendly buildings lining Thousand Oaks Boulevard, from Conejo Boulevard just west of Moorpark Road to Duesenberg Drive, with sidewalks in front and parking areas in back.

New trees, shrubs, rose bushes, light posts, fountains and artwork would beautify the area. Lemmo said the boulevard would evolve according to residents' preferences. He predicted the boulevard would become more than it is today to maximize benefits to residents and businesses.

Resident Niki Stokols suggested blocking all traffic and using electric buses to transport people to and within the area.

The meeting enabled the community to provide feedback before TOBA officially presents its plan to the City Council in May. About 20 residents attended.

Another meeting will be at 9 a.m. Sat., April 18 in the Civic Arts Plaza board room.

Resident Nick Quidwai, a community activist, called plans to improve Thousand Oaks Boulevard a "phantom thing," pointing out the public had nothing in writing that describes the proposed changes.

TOBA used a PowerPoint presentation with no handouts. The draft plan under scrutiny by city officials hasn't so far been made available to the public or press.

Lemmo disagreed with Quidwai, saying that public vetting of the proposed development of the boulevard has been "extraordinary." He said plans to improve Thousand Oaks Boulevard have been going on for more than 15 years.

It's time for the city to update its antiquated codes and become more flexible so small businesses on the boulevard can succeed, Principe said.

When TOBA presents its development plan to the council, it will request an environmental impact report to allow residents a detailed look at the proposal. Residents will have about a year to respond, Principe said.

After the May council meeting, the city will post the proposal on its website, Principe said.

For more information, call Principe at (818) 8799997 or email rick@westcord.com.