Q & A / Thousand Oaks Boulevard : Candidates Discuss Vision for Redevelopment

QUESTION: As a council member, what would be your vision for the redevelopment of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and how would you fund that?

John Ellis

The continued redevelopment of Thousand Oaks Boulevard should occur with its maintenance as a business street as the top priority. The city / redevelopment district should provide streets, sidewalks, drainage (it now floods), sewer and water. While an overall theme could be developed, it should not be mandatory or intrude upon business owners’ rights to operate their business based on their best judgment. I do not feel that city staff or quasi-government committees are qualified to determine the details of how private businesses should be operated. Funding should come from reclaiming redevelopment funds, gas tax funds, any state or federal grants available, and private funds.

*

Ekbal (Nick) Quidwai

The Thousand Oaks Boulevard Redevelopment Plan is the biggest farce! It was used to build the giant City Hall with a debt bond of $27.7 million to be repaid over 30 years. The amended plan was passed 3 to 2 in October, 1994, to raise the debt ceiling to $720 million and the justification given was items like trash cans are not covered, signs on buildings are not coordinated. An example is the Kinko’s building; another is a nonexistent building next to Malibu fish and tackle. We need to close shop for this debt agency. This area generates more tax than The Oaks or auto mall.

*

Trudi Loh

Any plan for Thousand Oaks Boulevard must consider the viewpoint of the existing merchants and property owners. If government removes obstacles to owner-initiated renovation, a market-driven solution to some revitalization will emerge. The city, however, must ensure that traffic flow is appropriate, roads are maintained, transit and parking needs are met. The city can also help by organizing volunteer beautification programs (e.g., tree planting, cleanup, etc.), which not only involves the community but also saves money. The cost for any government financial redevelopment must come from redevelopment funds, which unfortunately have been largely spent.

*

Ramaul Rush

I do not feel the redevelopment of Thousand Oaks Boulevard should be my vision alone, but the vision of the business and property owners of the boulevard, with community input regarding that vision. I would hope as a council member that the redevelopment of the boulevard “vision” will incorporate sound planning standards, with the focus of revitalizing the boulevard from an aesthetic and financial point of view. Public and private funding sources should be considered for the redevelopment of the boulevard.

*

Mike Markey

Thousand Oaks Boulevard should be developed to make it a focal point of the city. This can be accomplished by assisting business in standardizing storefronts in a theme fashion. Effort should be made to relocate retail / small business to vacant properties on the boulevard. Thousand Oaks Boulevard should be designed with cooperation from business owners along the boulevard, designed to attract outside revenue to the community by hosting such events as cultural and street fairs along the boulevard.

*

Lance Winslow

I don’t have any vision for T. O. Boulevard. I guess I’m still waiting for a sign from God. It does appear that everyone else has a vision though, as it’s OK with all the small businesses who occupy the boulevard. Many of these people have their life savings invested. I believe (architect) Francisco Behr is doing a good job of bringing everyone together on this. You know, I would like a good place to eat across the street from the Civic Arts Plaza. Funding: “A true visionary will always find a way.” Vote Lance.