Some Harm Forecast if Woodridge Project Built

THOUSAND OAKS — An environmental study of a proposed 273-home subdivision in the hills between this city and Simi Valley concludes that the Woodridge project would significantly affect several types of plants and animals, but harm little else.

The consultant’s report, released Thursday by the city, finds that bird nests could be destroyed and many acres of coastal sage scrub, the habitat of a variety of birds and small animals, would be lost.

The 118-acre project would be built on a 743-acre site, with the remaining acreage left in permanent public open space. The property lies in unincorporated county area between Lang Ranch in Thousand Oaks and Wood Ranch in Simi Valley.

Most of the 12 environmental impacts cited in the study--including traffic, noise, and demands on police and fire services--were listed as insignificant.

City planners said they gave the project a close look, knowing that slow-growth advocates have argued that it would cut into open space and blur the boundaries between Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks.

“We knew this was going to be a very sensitive project,” City Planner Greg Smith said. “We were very critical of it from the very beginning. It’s withstood a very tough analysis.”

The Woodridge project lies within Thousand Oaks’ so-called sphere of influence, but not in the city proper, and would have to be annexed before the subdivision could be built.

The study cites the 625 acres to be left in open space as one factor offsetting potential negative effects on wildlife.

Although officials identified no endangered plant or wildlife species in the area, the report finds that the development could result in the loss of nests for the white-tailed kite and the northern harrier, which have been seen during field investigations. Both species are listed by the state as birds that require special attention because of diminishing numbers.

The environmental report does not mention the issue of urban sprawl raised by Thousand Oaks activists. It does state that Sunset Hills Drive will not be extended into Simi Valley to connect the two cities.

Smith said that at their closest points, the Woodridge and Wood Ranch developments would be 800 to 1,000 feet apart.

Councilwoman Linda Parks, perhaps the development’s most vocal critic, argued that the study backs up her contention that the Woodridge project would trample scenic landscapes and link the two cities.

“It’s making it an urban corridor, not an animal corridor,” Parks said. “You’ve eliminated area that’s supposed to be open space for animals and you’ve put houses there. . . . We’re soiling our own cage, so to speak.

“It’s the definition of urban sprawl, and it’s not going to end here,” she added. “We’ll just become the city of Simi Oaks.”

Michael Rosenfeld, a principal with Los Angeles-based Woodridge Associates, said Thousand Oaks’ slow-growth activists automatically oppose any new development.

“These people don’t want any more development and are willing to say or do anything to attain their goal,” he said.

The developer called the study released Thursday “reflective of the environmental sensitivity of the project.”

The environmental study is open for review during a 45-day public comment period. It is available at City Hall.

The Planning Commission and City Council will then take up the issue. A vote is expected by fall.