Plan for Commercial Corridor Adopted

The City Council took the next step in its attempt to direct construction on a portion of Agoura Road, making it into a destination entertainment corridor.

Although no changes are expected immediately to area businesses, the council voted Wednesday to establish the Agoura Village Overlay District, determining the land use, design and development standards for the area, according to city documents.

The idea for the corridor, between Kanan and Cornell roads, is to create a rural European village atmosphere for shopping and entertainment, and as a pseudo-downtown area for the city.

The primary uses in the overlay zone are retail shops--such as bookstores, bicycle sale and rentals, clothing stores, florists and hobby shops--restaurants and professional offices, including accountant, architect and veterinary suites.

In concept, the design standards are set up to cater to the pedestrian, with open courtyards, easy navigation among shops and uses, and availability of street furniture and public art.

The village would be anchored by the existing Mann Theatre complex and possibly the proposed Creekside Center project, and will include the Whizin Center.

The guidelines will not be applicable to current businesses in the area nor any projects completing the city’s approval process before Aug. 1. Change would come to the area primarily through new development and redevelopment of existing businesses, city officials said.