THOUSAND OAKS : Dispute Settled Over Jungleland Purchase
The city of Thousand Oaks and the former owners of the Jungleland site have settled their legal battle over 20 acres acquired by the city for a civic center.
The amount and conditions of the out-of-court settlement reached Wednesday will not be announced until the City Council reviews them at a meeting Tuesday night, City Manager Grant Brimhall said.
Conditions are still subject to final approval by Ventura County Superior Court, the city and Asad Morovati, who owned the former wild animal park at Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Conejo School Road, Brimhall said.
In April, the city approved a $55.6-million budget for the civic center project, which will include a new government center and a cultural arts center on the land. Morovati wanted about $24 million for the property, but the city claimed that it was worth only $12 million.
A jury had been chosen in the case, and attorneys were preparing to make opening statements when the agreement was reached.
Wednesday morning, Superior Court Judge Bruce Sumner dismissed thejury.
Although he could not discuss the amount or structure of the settlement, Morovati’s attorney, James Longtin, said his client was satisfied with the agreement.
“Everybody’s pleased,” Longtin said. “It’s been a long, grueling case.”
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