Panel Deadlocks on Community Gate

In a surprise move, the Planning Commission deadlocked over a controversial plan to privatize a portion of Conejo School Road.

The commission Monday split 2 to 2 on the proposal, which would allow developer West Pointe Homes to place a private gate at the entrance of its planned development near the corner of Conejo School Road and Hillcrest Drive.

West Pointe will have to take the issue to the Thousand Oaks City Council if it is to move forward with plans for the gate.

Developers and supporters of the privatization plan testified that a gate would keep out car traffic and improve ambience at the development. Opponents say the gate would reduce access to public open space and was elitist.

Commissioners Dave Anderson and Marilyn Carpenter voted against recommending that the council approve the privatization, while Commissioners John Powers and Forrest Frields voted in favor of the plan. Commission Chairman Ronald Polanski was absent.

At their meeting last week, commissioners voted 2 to 1 to approve most of the housing development with the understanding that it would be a gated community.

Frields said the gate would help maintain Thousand Oaks’ reputation as a safe community.

“That kind of reputation for our city only comes through diligence in maintaining that reputation,” he said.

Echoing statements that she made last week, Carpenter said the gate would contribute to the “balkanizing,” or increasing separation, of the community.