Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Downtown Thousand Oaks Project Public Hearing
- The Council held a public hearing to consider the Final Environmental Impact Report and various permits for a 17.68-acre mixed-use development.
- Staff presented details on the project scope, including 240 residential units, a hotel, commercial space, and significant tree removal with mitigation.
- Public comment revealed majority support for economic revitalization and housing, alongside minority concerns regarding height, traffic, and safety.
- Staff addressed specific inquiries by confirming the project's exemption from Measure E and validating emergency evacuation capabilities.
Downtown Project Motion and Amendment
- Council Member Adams moved to approve the staff report and recommendations for the downtown project, which was subsequently amended.
- A friendly amendment was adopted to instruct staff to evaluate land ownership models and housing unit types during the Request for Proposal phase.
- The amended motion to approve the project recommendations passed following the Council's discussion.
Civic Arts Plaza Specific Plan Amendment
- The Council approved an ordinance amending Specific Plan 11 to create a new Subarea E for pedestrian-oriented mixed-use development.
- This action authorizes the partial reconstruction of City Hall, public amenities, and supporting infrastructure within the designated area.
- The approval included the certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report and the associated Mitigation Monitoring Program.
Closed Session
- The Council convened a closed session to discuss performance evaluations for the City Attorney and City Manager.
- Upon reconvening, the City Clerk reported that no reportable action was taken on either evaluation item.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Taylor. The City Clerk conducted roll call, confirming the presence of Council Members Adam, Newman, and Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem Engler, and Mayor Taylor.
Closed Session
- The Council entered a closed session to discuss performance evaluations for the City Attorney and the City Manager. Upon reconvening, the City Clerk reported that no reportable action was taken on either item.
Meeting Procedures and Public Comments
- Mayor Taylor outlined the agenda and requested that attendees refrain from applause or booing to manage time and ensure a comfortable environment. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Eight individuals provided public comments on various topics:
- Jim Friedel spoke on behalf of the Conejo Recreation and Park District regarding the pending sale of Fireworks Hill and properties at 401-403 Hillcrest to establish a permanent home.
- Henry, Jack, Karan Tavakoli, and John requested the display or adoption of the national motto "In God We Trust" in the public square or at City Hall.
- Patricia and Hannah Finley represented Harbor House, promoting their annual fundraiser and describing their services for the unhoused and needy.
- Suzanne Duckett stated that if the downtown project is not placed on the ballot, she views the situation as corrupt.
- A ninth speaker, Ren Xun, was scheduled to speak via Zoom but was not connected.
Consent Calendar
- Council Member Newman moved to approve the consent calendar. The motion was seconded by Council Member Adams. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Downtown Thousand Oaks Project (Item 10A)
- The City Clerk opened a public hearing to consider the Downtown Thousand Oaks Project (CI5540) at 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard and adjacent parcels. The hearing addressed the adoption of a resolution to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), approve findings of fact, a statement of overriding considerations, and a mitigation monitoring program. Additionally, the hearing considered a General Plan amendment, development permit, tentative tract map, protected tree permit, special use permit, and a Specific Plan 11 amendment to create a new Subarea E.
Staff and Proponent Presentation
- Planning Division Manager Kristen Rice, Deputy Public Works Director Ted Garber, and consultants presented the staff report. Key points included:
- Project Scope: A 17.68-acre mixed-use development proposing a 142-key boutique hotel, 161 residential units, commercial space, and entertainment venues.
- Land Use: A request to change the designation of a 5.33-acre portion from "Institutional" to "Mixed-Use" and amend Specific Plan 11.
- Affordable Housing: The project proposes 240 total units, including 39 deed-restricted affordable units (24% of base density), qualifying for a 50% density bonus under state law.
- Environmental Impacts: The EIR identified significant and unavoidable impacts regarding air quality and transportation. Staff recommended a statement of overriding considerations citing benefits such as meeting regional housing needs and economic development.
- Traffic and Parking: The project is expected to add approximately 6,000 daily vehicle trips, remaining within roadway capacity. A parking analysis indicates a surplus for most conditions, with off-site city-owned lots available for peak demand.
- Trees: The project proposes removing 45 protected trees and encroaching on eight others, with a 3-to-1 replacement mitigation requirement.
- Height: Proposed buildings range up to 92 and 95 feet in Subarea E, consistent with the existing context of the Civic Arts Plaza.
- Measure E: The project is exempt from Measure E voter approval requirements due to the Surplus Land Act declaration.
- Assistant City Manager Akbar Ali Khan presented a summary of the project's history, community outreach, and design evolution. He noted a population decline of approximately 1,000 residents annually over the last decade and highlighted the project's retention of 90% of mature oak trees. Emergency evacuation capabilities were discussed, with the Police Chief stating that evacuation teams and technology have been upgraded since the Woolsey Fire.
Council Questions
- Council members inquired about affordable housing calculations, tree removal, height precedents, and parking management. Staff confirmed that the affordable unit count meets state thresholds for the density bonus and that each project is evaluated on its unique merits. Staff also confirmed the use of off-site city lots for simultaneous sold-out events.
Public Comment
- Numerous speakers addressed the Council regarding the Downtown Thousand Oaks Project.
- Support: A majority of speakers expressed support, citing the need for diverse housing options, economic revitalization, a "third place" for gathering, and the necessity of the project for the city's long-term vitality. Supporters included representatives from major employers, the Chamber of Commerce, and local arts organizations.
- Opposition and Concerns: A minority of speakers expressed opposition or specific concerns regarding building height, the pace of change, public safety and evacuation plans, environmental impacts (including tree removal and air quality), traffic congestion, and the definition of affordable housing. Some speakers alleged conflicts of interest and called for a public vote on the project.
Staff Response to Public Comments
- City staff and subject matter experts addressed public concerns:
- Measure E: Staff reiterated the project's exemption from voter requirements due to the Surplus Land Act.
- Building Height: Staff stated the proposed height is consistent with Specific Plan 11, adopted in 1989, and does not set a precedent for other areas.
- Parking: Staff explained that residential parking was calculated using state density bonus laws and that the project is over-parked for commercial uses.
- Safety: Emergency services representatives confirmed the site has adequate fire access and evacuation routes.
- Traffic: Staff noted that Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) would decrease due to the mixed-use nature of the project.
- Water Supply: Staff stated the project would increase city water usage by less than 1%.
- Conflicts of Interest: The City Attorney addressed allegations regarding Mayor Taylor and Council Member Gutierrez, determining that no conflicts of interest existed.
Motion to Continue Meeting
- A motion was made to continue the meeting past midnight. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Applicant Rebuttal
- Staff representatives provided additional context regarding population trends and the historical precedent of the Civic Arts Plaza. An architect provided testimony comparing the project to traditional downtowns in Ventura and Santa Barbara.
Council Discussion and Motion on Downtown Project
- Council Member Adams spoke in support of the project and moved to approve the staff report and recommendations one through three regarding the downtown project.
Amendment to Motion
- The City Manager proposed a friendly amendment requesting that staff, in the subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) phase, consider and present options regarding whether the land remains publicly owned with long-term leases or is sold, and whether housing units are structured as apartments or condominiums. Council Member Adams accepted the amendment.
Final Vote on Downtown Project
- The amended motion to approve the staff report and recommendations regarding the downtown project, including the instruction to staff to consider land lease versus sale and apartment versus condominium options in the RFP phase, was put to a vote. The motion passed.
Civic Arts Plaza Specific Plan (SP 11) Amendment and Ordinance
- Closing remarks were provided by Council Member Taylor regarding the city's economic challenges and the importance of the project. Council Member Engler made a statement defending staff member Akbar against online accusations regarding his residency. The City Manager acknowledged the efforts of the staff and consultant team.
- A motion was made to approve an ordinance amending the Civic Arts Plaza Specific Plan (SP 11) to create a new Subarea E. The ordinance facilitates the development of a pedestrian-oriented downtown with mixed-use residential, hotel, commercial, office, and entertainment uses. It also authorizes the partial reconstruction of City Hall, public amenities, and supporting infrastructure. The motion included certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (CEQA 2025-7002) and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The motion was seconded and passed.
Meeting Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting was scheduled for July 7th.