Aims of Technology Group
In light of the article “Growth Campaign Sparks Fight” (April 3), I wanted to clarify some of the issues raised.
The Technology Corridor Assn. is a nonprofit association of Southern California-based corporations, professional firms and commercial/industrial real estate developers interested in fostering the continued orderly growth and development of the market area bordered generally on the north by Simi Valley, on the east by Woodland Hills, on the south by Pacific Coast Highway and on the west by Oxnard.
Our market area is particularly rich in its concentration of high-tech companies in the fields of aerospace and defense, electronics, computer hardware and software, communications and others. In addition, our area is also home to many prominent insurance and financial service companies. A partial list of our members would include: Ernst and Young; KPMG Peat Marwick; Blue Cross of California; Kindell and Anderson, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker; GTE; Southern California Gas Co.; and many others. Our intent is to draw attention to the employment and residential opportunities already existing in the Conejo Valley and the Oxnard Plain, many of which are technology related--thus the name Technology Corridor.
It is widely recognized that there are many under-utilized commercial facilities currently available in the area coupled with numerous residential neighborhoods with available homes for new employees. In fact, the residential market currently is considered quite “soft,” with many more properties available than qualified purchasers. This is an unhealthy situation resulting in depressed values for the area’s current residents and homeowners needing to sell their property. We are encouraging utilization of existing facilities commercial and residential, not unmitigated development of new properties.
The cities of Camarillo and Oxnard in conjunction with various regional planning authorities have created an environment for sensible and controlled population and commercial growth. Effective zoning results in clustering of these projects, retaining the natural greenbelts and open space integral to the quality of life enjoyed by the area’s residents. The TCA is in full support of these policies, in particular the preservation of the greenbelt open spaces.
The TCA’s creed and motto, “Preserving the Quality of Life,” speaks of our true interest. Quality of life for the families of our area suffers if local employment opportunities are not available, forcing long commutes into Los Angeles of 30 to 50 miles and longer, as is now the case for the majority of our work force. And quality of life without available and affordable housing is simply not possible.
The TCA is strongly in support of planned and controlled growth in order that the economic health and marvelous lifestyle opportunities within the corridor may be preserved and enhanced.
MARK J. MATTINGLY
Thousand Oaks
Mattingly is executive vice president of Technology Corridor Assn.
