THOUSAND OAKS : City, Firm to Plan Project Near Plaza

Thousand Oaks council members will negotiate exclusively with Kilroy Industries of El Segundo over the next three months as city officials wrestle with what to build next door to the showcase Civic Arts Plaza.

The City Council voted 4 to 1 late Tuesday to sign a 90-day agreement that prohibits the city from considering any new proposals for the vacant land east of the $64-million arts center.

The deal calls for city and Kilroy officials to hammer out details of a proposal to build a multiplex cinema, restaurants and shops on the 11 acres just east of the Civic Arts Plaza.

But Councilwoman Elois Zeanah voted against the agreement, saying she wanted Thousand Oaks residents to convince her that they want a movie house and retail center next to the center before she supports it.

She also said she was concerned about the amount of traffic the entertainment and shopping center would create along Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

But Kilroy officials and City Atty. Mark Sellers said the multiplex theme was crucial to the success of the proposed development.

“You need an anchor which will create value in the surrounding properties,� Sellers said.

Councilman Andrew Fox recommended that the negotiations be held with all five council members in closed session to make sure that each council member keeps track of the proposal’s progress.

“That way we’re all hearing the same things and we’re all seeing the same things,� he said. “That’s the right way to do it.�