AGOURA HILLS : Miniature Golf Plan Closer to Approval

The Agoura Hills City Council this week took the first step toward approving a proposed miniature golf center near the Ventura Freeway, which would be the only such amusement park between Van Nuys and Ventura.

By a 3-2 vote, the council on Wednesday night approved amendments to an ordinance that would allow construction of a 5.6-acre theme park next to the freeway, about half a mile east of Kanan Road. The council will consider the full ordinance May 26.

Project manager Tami Semler said her company, Environetics Development Inc., hopes to complete the Old West-style park by Christmas. It would include at least two 18-hole miniature golf courses, bumper boats, a Grand Prix-style racetrack outdoors and restaurants, party rooms and a video arcade inside.

Before plans for the project are approved, however, the developer must negotiate a bureaucratic obstacle course designed to allow only handsome, low-profile structures within the scenic city.

Agoura Hills Planning Director David Anderson said the project, popular with many area residents, probably will be approved if the developers follow the requirements of the ordinance, including low-intensity lighting, a subtle color and landscape scheme and ample parking.

“The concern is that there not be the use of garish structures, purple dragons and things of that nature,” Anderson said. “We’re looking for a more natural appearance that will be in harmony with the topography in the area--the hillsides and the natural open space.”

The proposal was opposed by council members Joan Yacovone and Darlene McBane. “I was just opposed to the cars for the noise pollution and the air pollution. And I don’t think that much asphalt would be aesthetically pleasing.”

City Manager Terry Matz, in his first week on the job, said the project as a whole could provide Agoura Hills citizens a double advantage of increased sales tax revenues for their city and a nearby entertainment center. “I think most people in town would like to have a wholesome place for recreation that the whole family can enjoy,” Matz said.