Prime Property Deserves Better

On Tuesday, the Thousand Oaks City Council will discuss signing a preliminary contract with Kilroy Development Co. for the development of the property adjacent to City Hall and the Performing Arts Center.

The plans at this time include a two-story movie theater, a virtual reality theater, a fitness center, food concessions and possibly a children’s science museum. This prime property deserves more than these ill-conceived plans by a developer who has no interest in our city. Let’s think in terms of upgrading our beautiful city, not setting it up to become a blighted area. We have enough ugly malls already.

Since this property is owned by the city, in other words property owned by all of us living in Thousand Oaks, it is imperative that we, the residents of this city, have a say in the development of this very prime piece of land. If there is a theater on this site, it should be an arts theater, showing pictures that are not shown elsewhere in the county.

This property should be developed with streams and ponds, waterfalls and innovative fountains. Perhaps a sculpture garden. Paths, lined with beautiful flowers, could meander to fine restaurants where people can have lunch or dinner before performances, or dessert afterward. How about art galleries and boutiques, making this area a true center for the arts besides bringing in revenue?

Thousand Oaks does not have a real “downtown” area. If developed properly, this site would be the Town Center, much like small towns that many of you remember.

It is important that every resident give their input on the development of this property. Please attend the council meeting and express your views. If you cannot attend, please call the council members, write to them, or send E Mail. Now is the time to make your views heard, not after the fact.

MARILYNN HANDELMAN, Thousand Oaks