Council members implore Regency Centers to alter tree removal schedule

Cutting at Westlake Plaza was halted temporarily today, but has since resumed

By Anna Bitong and Kyle Jorrey

The tree cutting at Westlake Plaza ceased this morning while the centers owners and city staff worked out a plan to remove more than 200 trees in phases.

In the process of removing the trees at the popular shopping center at the corner of Westlake Boulevard and Agoura Road, landscaping crews today were given the order to stop working during the discussions. Cutting has since resumed.

Were asking (the owners) to consider a more phased-in approach over time, rather than cutting them all at once, said Thousand Oaks Mayor Pro Tem Al Adam, who toured the site today along with fellow Councilmember Claudia Bill-de la Pea and John Prescott, community development director for the city.

Patrick Conway, vice president and regional officer for plaza owner Regency Centers, said that the city reached out to the company this morning to discuss the new approach.

Were going to mitigate the timing and phasing of the tree removal so that we dont create a stark environment while were getting through the project, Conway said.

As of this morning, roughly 20 to 25 trees had already been removed, including four protected oak trees, according to Adam.

Conway couldnt confirm how many trees have already been cut, as some of the trees were removed last year with a separate permit.

The work is part of a $25-million renovation project that intends to improve the look and appearance of the 40-year-old shopping center; it was approved administratively in October without a public hearing.

The rest is here:
Council members implore Regency Centers to alter tree removal schedule