CALABASAS : Panel Delays Ruling on Center Expansion

The Calabasas Planning Commission has postponed a controversial decision on whether to allow the expansion of a planned, 1.5-million-square-foot office and retail center to include a cinema complex and more shops and restaurants.

After a three-hour hearing Thursday night, the commission closed public testimony on the matter and scheduled a vote for Tuesday.

“This is certainly a hot topic,” said Commissioner Dave Brown. “There’s a general sense among the community that the project is too big for the site, and the city has to figure out what to do with it.”

As approved by Los Angeles County supervisors in 1989, the massive Ahmanson/Kilroy project south of Calabasas Road between Park Granada and Parkway Calabasas would include only about 50,000 square feet of retail space.

Because of the shrinking demand for office space in the San Fernando Valley, the developer about a year ago asked the city to allow an extra 150,000 square feet of retail space, raise the height limit and extend the time limit on the development agreement from 1999 to 2014.

The added retail space would possibly include an eight-theater cinema complex, which many nearby residents fear would bring movie patrons trekking through their semirural neighborhoods late at night.

“We’re concerned about safety and traffic because of the number of people coming in and out of the project,” said Crete Carey, board member of the Calabasas Park Homeowners Assn. “We oppose the theaters, but if there are going to be some, we would like some restrictions on the hours.

“Everybody in the neighborhood is concerned that a great change is taking place,” Carey said.

In a letter to the city, Capt. Don Mauro of the Lost Hills/Malibu sheriff’s station said the cinema could act as a “crime magnet” for “gangs and criminals intent on easy prey,” which would require an increase in the contract for sheriff’s services.

About 100 local residents and representatives of the developer of the project, called Calabasas Park Centre, testified at meetings Thursday and in mid-May.

The Calabasas planning staff, meanwhile, has recommended approving the additional retail space, which would also include a supermarket, restaurants and various shops, without increasing the size of the project.

They also have recommended limiting the height of the buildings to five stories and extending the development agreement to the year 2000.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the matter at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. After that, it will be considered by the City Council, although no hearing dates have been set.