Thousand Oaks council approves sale of Hillcrest Center to Conejo Recreation and Park District for $30.4 million
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Summary
The Thousand Oaks City Council voted 5–0 to approve a purchase-and-sale agreement and development agreement conveying 401–403 West Hillcrest Drive to the Conejo Recreation and Park District for $30,400,000; the development agreement preserves current land‑use designations for 30 years and requires a six‑month escrow and a $175,000 appropriation for survey and title work.
The Thousand Oaks City Council voted unanimously to approve a purchase-and-sale agreement and a development agreement transferring city-owned property at 401 and 403 West Hillcrest Drive to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) for $30,400,000.
Deputy City Manager Akbar Alakhan told the council the sale follows independent appraisals and a tentative agreement reached by city and CRPD staff. ‘‘The terms of which convey the property to CRPD for a total sale price of $30,400,000,’’ Alakhan said, and staff set a six‑month escrow beginning the night of the vote that is scheduled to end on July 13, 2026. The development agreement preserves the site’s existing land‑use designations for 30 years and allows CRPD to borrow against the property’s value as part of financing the acquisition. Staff also recommended authorizing a $175,000 appropriation for the required ALTA survey and title insurance and recognizing $30,400,000 in revenue in fiscal year 2026–27.
Why it matters: the site includes the Hillcrest Center (a former city hall and locally designated landmark) and adjacent open space. City staff said the transfer keeps the property in public ownership and places long‑term use controls in a development agreement meant to protect open‑space and public‑use values while allowing CRPD operational control.
Public response was mixed. William Maple, a Newbury Park resident, urged the council to treat the property as a community gift and asked the council to consider a lower sale price, saying, ‘‘Please consider a more appropriate $15,000,000 price tag.’’ Nelson Busch, another resident, praised the transfer as a way to preserve open space and urged that the city spend any proceeds prudently and consider investments such as improved bike access.
Council members commended staff and the CRPD for negotiating the agreement and noted prior council actions, including declaring the property exempt surplus land under a transfer‑to‑government‑agency exemption. After discussion the council approved staff recommendations 1–6, including authorization for the city manager’s designee to execute all documents, reading and waiving further reading of ordinance Dagger 2025‑70004, the budget appropriations described by staff, and a CEQA exemption finding. The motion passed 5–0.
What’s next: staff must furnish an ALTA survey, procure title insurance on behalf of the buyer, and confirm the surplus lands exemption with the California Department of Housing and Community Development. CRPD is expected to take related action at its board meeting later in the week.
