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Target's bid to build on Kmart site OK'd
Planners approve the revised application
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More from Local NewsThe Planning Commission approved Target's application Wednesday night to build on the old Kmart site in the west end of Simi Valley.
City officials have touted the future 143,000-square-foot store as a revitalization of the corner of Madera and Tierra Rejada roads, with the potential of creating about 250 jobs.
The commission voted unanimously to approve the large retail project, which will be reviewed by the City Council in September.
After some initial concerns about design and construction elements, commissioners said they looked forward to seeing the project completed.
The Planning Commission kicked back the application in June to city staff to resolve some design and construction issues, most of which were resolved, said Peter Lyons, director of environmental services.
"Target incorporated a great majority of the recommendations," Lyons said.
Commissioners also asked the applicant to minimize the "big box" look by adding stonework and a tower to break up the roof line.
But Target representatives still wanted the city to remove the conditions for two bus turnout lanes and the construction of a right-hand turnout lane. But the commission denied the request in the vote Wednesday, requiring Target to build the road amenities or pay in-lieu fees.
"It's going to be a tough sell because of the expense. Some of this stuff didn't make sense to Target," said Eric Padget, a Target Corp. representative.
All commissioners but Jim Dantona said the bus lane turnouts should be built.
"The bus turnouts are needed. This the premier corner in the city," said Commissioner Keith Mashburn.
Residents came out to support the project, and one woman submitted a petition with more than 100 signatures to bring Target to their neighborhood.
Additional aspects of the project include about 9,200 square feet of retail shops attached to the east side of the building, facing Madera Road. There are plans to remodel an existing 7,700-square-foot building. The existing Arco gas station is under separate ownership, and the Calleguas water building would remain.
The look would be similar in design and architectural elements to the Simi Valley Town Center, reflecting a Mediterranean theme. With 651 parking spaces, about 13 percent of the property is proposed to be landscaped.
Posted by imonlysayin on August 7, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Legal: What would you suggest they put there? Low income housing?
Posted by BeaHappi on August 7, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"That is what was said when they wanted to add the Wal-Mart store and then we found they hired a large number of illegal immigrants from Oxnard."
Really? All of them were from Oxnard? How do you know that?
I hope they do build the Target. At least it's better than doing nothing and having an eyesore where the K-Mart used to be. The K-Mart was probably an eyesore too!
Posted by mamaof2 on August 7, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
they should build a target where the old k-mart is at in OX.
Posted by BeaHappi on August 7, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mamaof2...I was actually hoping that was what this article was about.
It makes total sense, plus that site looks awful. I can't stand it when big-box locations close and nothing is done with the property. Now Port Hueneme/South Oxnard residents drive to Ventura or North Oxnard to go to Target. Think of the traffic relief alone that would be accomplished by putting a Target there.
So many people could even walk there.
Posted by imonlysayin on August 7, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Beahappi: The K-Mart WAS an eyesore, inside and out...I'm happy to see it gone, and hope they do put in a Target, the parking situation at the other one is pretty crowded, so maybe this will re-route some of that traffic and make parking easier at both sites.
Posted by BeaHappi on August 7, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The K-Marts in Ventura & Oxnard were eyesores in and out too. They were OLD and falling apart.
Now the Oxnard location is just sitting there all boarded up and same for Ventura. Knock them down, build something new...just do something!
Simi is lucky that this is being considered.
Posted by imonlysayin on August 7, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I had to go to the SV Kmart for a last minute gift and when I walked in, toys and clothes were all over the floors, it was total chaos. I turned around and walked out.
I agree, they need to do something about the stores in Ventura and Oxnard as well...buildings like that are not only an eyesore, but a haven for drug use, prostitution, and who knows what else.
Posted by rjlebeck on August 10, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The old K-mart site in Simi is a lot more of an eyesore than Bottle Village.
If you were looking at keeping a commercial presence there, Simi would do well to find a large sporting goods retailer like Sports Chalet or REI, another Target is redundant and lacking imagination.
What the place really needs is more "family-oriented" recreation. Tear the building down and create park space or a miniature golf course.
I think Legal_American is making keen observations. The L.A. Avenue corridor in the valley lowlands is abandoned and ghettoed as new projects, and new revenues, are pursued in the surrounding hills.
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