Oak tree removal called into question

Townhome development meets with opposition

NEW HOMESA computer image provides a peek at a proposed townhome development slated for Clay Court near Thousand Oaks Boulevard. The planning commission is expected to vote on the project Monday. Rendering courtesy of City Ventures A developer looking to construct 26 townhomes near Thousand Oaks Boulevard will have its second date with the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission on Monday.

Ventura-based City Ventures first attempt to get its Clay Court project approved was thwarted Oct. 13 after the commission deadlocked 2-2. Commissioner Daryl Reynolds, who was unable to attend the original hearing, is expected back Oct. 27, according to project planner Claudia Pedroso.

If it gets the go-ahead, City Ventures proposal will be the third housing complex approved for construction on or near the boulevard since the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan was adopted in 2011. The plan, which allowed residential units to be built on the boulevard for the first time, covers an area between Duesenberg Drive and Moorpark Road.

At the Oct. 13 meeting, commissioners Doug Nickles and David Newman voted no, objecting to certain aspects of the proposal, including the removal of 20 oak trees, eight of which would be relocated on the property at 80 and 90 Clay Court.

Nickles criticized the projects excessive impact on oak trees and the planned exportation of 1,400 cubic yards of dirt during construction.

To say this is environmentally sensitive is a disgrace, he said.

The commissioner said that the developer should build around the trees.

I see (the project) taking advantage of the pockets that are there, Nickles said. You can transplant trees but you cant transplant the habitat. And when you go transplanting trees, youre transplanting them from their native soil into an urban, compacted soil that theyre not used to. Ive seen a lot of transplanted trees die. They survive, they rarely thrive.

Newman also expressed concern about moving trees.

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Oak tree removal called into question