Losing View From the Car

My husband and I commute daily along the picturesque Sunset Hills Boulevard. After seeing a survey team at the undeveloped land site adjacent to the 23 Freeway exit, I contacted the Thousand Oaks Planning Department and was relieved to hear a 23-unit townhome development had been rejected by the Planning Commission. To my astonishment on April 9, I read that this same proposed development had been approved by the City Council.

Despite all the negative comments on this proposed development by both the public and each City Council member in regard to the non-aesthetic architectural asymmetry and increased traffic impact, the council voted 4 to 1 to approve this development. How could anyone think that a multiple-family complex among single-family dwellings would be appropriate at this site?

And now the breathtaking views of the Topa Topa Mountain Ridge will be lost forever to all those who drive Sunset Hills Boulevard and marvel at this area’s beauty.

I think the council’s judgment speaks poorly of its understanding about the issues that concern this community. It appears that citizens of Thousand Oaks need to play a much more proactive role in government to ensure important decisions like this one aren’t forgotten.

LORI ROBINSON, Thousand Oaks