Plan for Medical Complex Approved in Agoura Hills

The Agoura Hills City Council has unanimously approved a 76,448-square-foot medical complex on a hillside, over the objections of local environmental activists.

The project by builder Victor R. Lundin is among the largest approved in the city in recent years. Lundin said he expects construction to begin next year and the project to be completed in 1990.

After the project was approved initially by the city Planning Commission in October, an appeal was filed by environmentalists Serena Friedman, Barry Sobel and Mary Wiesbrock, who said the project’s size would worsen traffic problems and spoil hillside views.

In denying the appeal Wednesday night, the City Council praised the design of the Lundin project. The four buildings conform to city standards concerning roof design, color, grading, height, lighting and landscaping, according to city planners. Three of the buildings will be two stories; one will be three stories. Parking areas will be concealed underneath the buildings.

“It does fit into the hillside very well,” Council Member Vicky Leary said.

Tax Income for City

The project also is expected to provide the city with a significant addition to its tax base. The city recently imposed fees on new developments to pay for traffic improvements.

City officials said Lundin will be required to contribute $477,000 to improve traffic flow near his project, which will be at the southeast corner of the intersection of Agoura and Cornell roads.

“Their monetary contributions hopefully will help offset the traffic they generate,” said Council Member Fran Pavley.

The nearest Ventura Freeway interchange is at Kanan Road, an area already choked with traffic.

Wiesbrock told the council at a Nov. 9 public hearing on the appeal that the project is “too intrusive and too massive.” Lundin had earlier reduced his proposal from 120,000 square feet.

Sobel, a doctor, maintained that Agoura Hills will not generate enough medical business to keep the Lundin building occupied.

Lundin responded that many doctors and Westlake Community Hospital have expressed interest in renting space at the complex. The council voted to require him to pre-lease 70% of the office space before he can be granted a building permit.