Demolition of Restaurant Approved

Despite concerns that the project could bring added noise and traffic to the neighborhood, the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission has decided to allow McDonald’s to demolish one of its restaurants and build a new one on the same site.

The commission voted unanimously Monday to approve the project, which will replace the McDonald’s on Wendy Drive in Newbury Park. Although the new restaurant will be smaller than the existing one, it will feature drive-through service and a children’s play area.

John V. Gurney, who lives nearby, told the commissioners that the project could create more noise for people living close to the drive-through lane. It would also bring more cars into an area already congested, he said.

“You’re increasing the traffic in a bottleneck,” he said.

But other Newbury Park residents asked the commission to approve the changes, saying McDonald’s has been a good corporate neighbor. Stu Smith said he had worked on several booster programs for Newbury Park High School sports and often received contributions from the restaurant.

“McDonald’s has been a real pillar of support for Newbury Park High School,” he said.