Apartment Complex OKd by Commission

City planning commissioners approved a medium-sized apartment complex to be built near several large industrial centers on the corner of Lawrence Drive and Rancho Conejo Boulevard.

The 4-1 vote came after representatives from Shappel Industries, developers of the proposed 6.7-acre complex, agreed to several city-mandated measures to mitigate potential residential concerns regarding noise and traffic.

The nine-building, 108-unit complex will be surrounded by a brick wall and the apartments will be fitted with double-paned glass to reduce noise from surrounding businesses.

“While I had some reservations about this, I think these concerns have been well addressed,” Commissioner Forrest Frields said at Monday night’s meeting. “I’m comfortable with the mitigation.”

The complex, to be located on eight acres of land in a highly industrialized section of the city, would be adjacent to several large businesses, including a United Parcel Service distribution center and aerospace manufacturer Republic Fastener.

Republic Fastener, which operates 21 hours a day and abuts the apartment property, would be the complex’s closest neighbor.

But one commissioner withheld his support, citing the project as another example of overstepping guidelines dictated by the city’s 1970 General Plan.

“I just think this is the first glaring example of overdevelopment,” Commissioner Dave Anderson said. “I’m not going to be the one to ask people to accept one more bulge in their city.”

The project must now go before the City Council for final approval before construction can begin.