THOUSAND OAKS : Plan to Sell Site of Ex-City Hall Advances
Efforts to sell the old Thousand Oaks City Hall inched forward as the City Council voted to create a set of standards to guide future development on the site.
Voting unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting, the council authorized city staffers to begin work on a specific plan for the 61.78-acre lot, including the former City Hall on Hillcrest Drive and Fireworks Hill.
Under the plan, the city could show potential buyers the uses it considers acceptable for the site, according to a memo by city planners. The document could specify areas to remain undeveloped and natural features, such as trees, to be preserved, the memo said. It could also set design standards for buildings, suggesting size, style, even color.
The city has received, and rejected, several offers for the site since it was declared surplus property in 1989. Early last year, a 22-member citizens committee recommended a number of possible uses for the property, including a university or school, corporate offices and a museum. Those suggestions will be incorporated into the specific plan.
Councilwoman Elois Zeanah said Wednesday that she hoped that plans for the parcel would preserve the open space on Fireworks Hill.
“I don’t want that site overdeveloped,” she said. “It’s a great visual resource.”
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