THOUSAND OAKS : Planners Approve Electronics Store

Citing the need to increase sales tax revenues in the city, Thousand Oaks planning commissioners have voted in favor of a proposal to build a discount electronics store across the street from The Oaks mall.

After a four-hour discussion, the commission voted 4 to 1 early Tuesday morning to recommend that the City Council approve construction of a Circuit City store on a vacant lot at the southwest corner of Lynn Road and Hillcrest Drive. Commissioner Irving Wasserman voted against the project.

Several neighbors of the site attended the meeting to oppose the project. The residents said the store will aggravate traffic congestion and detract from the neighborhood’s residential quality.

Commissioner Andrew Fox said that, although the lot is zoned for commercial development, he does not think a discount store is appropriate for the area.

However, Fox said, “we have clear direction from the mayor and City Council” to give special consideration to projects that would increase sales tax revenues.