Price-Costco Replaces Landscaping Firm

Citing dissatisfaction with the work done so far, Price-Costco has replaced the landscaping subcontractor for its recently opened warehouse discount store in Westlake Village, city officials said.

Since the store’s opening last month, much of the landscaping--including ground cover, bushes and the building and planting of a green wall to shield the parking lot from view of the cemetery next door--has yet to be completed. Another landscaper was expected to begin work today to finish the project.

Westlake Village officials expressed frustration with the original subcontractor and said they hope to see the landscaping completed within two weeks.

“The lack of landscaping has been a concern of ours since it opened in August,” said city Planning Director Robert Theobald.

But, with a new company coming in to complete the work--a firm that the warehouse chain has used at other sites--Price-Costco and city officials hope residents notice a difference soon.

“Price-Costco is as frustrated as the city is,” Theobald said Wednesday at a City Council meeting.

Price-Costco officials could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Speaking out at the meeting Wednesday, Westlake Village resident Dave Stein urged the city to do what it can to hurry the process along. He pointed out rubble and trash bags that have collected on the property.

“I have nothing against Price-Costco,” he said, “I would just like to see this finished.”