Thousand Oaks planning commission backs transfer of Hillcrest civic center to park district, adds landmark recognition

Thousand Oaks — On Jan. 12, 2026, the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission voted 4–0 to find the proposed disposition of several city-owned parcels at 401–403 West Hillcrest Drive to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) consistent with the Thousand Oaks 2045 General Plan and to recommend that City Council adopt an ordinance approving a development agreement that preserves existing zoning and land‑use designations for 30 years.

Senior Planner Justine Kendall told commissioners staff recommended the commission find the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the common-sense exception (CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3)) and categorical exemptions for surplus government property sales (15312) and transfers of ownership interests (15325). The clerk opened the hearing on agenda item 7a and staff summarized the parcels proposed for disposition and the terms of the draft development agreement.

The proposed sale price discussed in the meeting was $30,400,000. Commissioner McMahon asked whether the park district was purchasing the land and whether sale proceeds would be earmarked; staff confirmed CRPD’s purchase and that the funds would be reserved for downtown plans. CRPD General Manager Jim Friedel told the commission the district plans to finance the acquisition with a mix of cash reserves, borrowing and future developer-fee revenue, and said, “No taxes. Your your taxes aren't changing.”

Public comment highlighted historic‑preservation concerns. William Maple, who described his longtime advocacy for preserving the Hillcrest Center, urged clearer public process and questioned the price, saying the “30,000,000 is way overpriced” and asking for a Cultural Heritage Board review. Marcia Boye (introduced in the meeting notice as Marcia Boye) asked how public funds and the transaction would work and requested clearer maps and financing details.

Commission discussion centered on preserving the landmarked elements of the site and on whether the commission should explicitly recognize the Hillcrest Center’s landmark status in the planning commission resolution. Chair Farris proposed an amendment to insert language in section 2 of the resolution stating that the proposed sale “recognizes that City Landmark Number 10, Hillcrest Center, is on the property.” The city attorney told commissioners adding that language was permissible and would not, in his view, change the legal effect of the underlying findings.

Commissioner McMahon moved that the commission find the project exempt from CEQA under the cited exemptions, find the disposition consistent with Government Code section 65402 and the Thousand Oaks 2045 General Plan, and recommend City Council adopt the development agreement. The commission voted to adopt an amendment recognizing the landmark, and then voted 4–0 (Commissioner Latson absent) to approve the amended motion.

Staff and CRPD representatives emphasized that no physical development is proposed as part of this disposition action and that any future alterations to landmarked building exteriors or other protected elements would be subject to the city’s certificate-of-appropriateness procedures, the general plan consistency review, and applicable CEQA analysis. The planning commission record identifies the applicant as the City of Thousand Oaks and cites the listed APNs for the parcels proposed for transfer.

The matter moves to City Council; staff announced the council will consider the 401/403 Hillcrest disposition and transfer on Jan. 27, 2026.

Ending: The Planning Commission adjourned to its next meeting on Jan. 26, 2026, at 6 p.m.