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City moves forward on plan for film studio
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More from Local NewsThe Moorpark City Council took the first step of many that could bring Commonwealth Studios — a $125 million, 14-stage filming studio complex — to the west part of town.
The council moved forward with a pre-screening application to change the land use designation of about 11 acres of the 37-acre site from commercial to industrial — the required designation to operate a studio.
If approved, Commonwealth Studios representatives said, it would be the largest independent movie studio in the country, matching the size of CBS Studio Center in Studio City. It has been estimated that about 150 jobs would be created, and it could attract hundreds more.
The council was in favor of the concept of the movie studio, noting that it was early in the planning process.
The property, now flat and open, is on the outskirts of the city facing Highway 118, near agricultural fields and just west of a Southern California Edison power station.
The land use change application will next be reviewed by the Community and Economic Development Committee.
"Is there any downside to this? I haven't heard anything," said Councilman Keith Millhouse.
The council heard a few public comments in favor of the project.
Harvey Plaks lives across the street from what could be the future site of Commonwealth Studios. He said he's heard about potential projects for the site over the years, and he approves of this one.
"Don't throw this away," Plaks said. "I have obviously been affected by (traffic congestion along) L.A. Avenue, but I believe the council should do everything in its power to make sure a project like this happens. It will put Moorpark on the map."
The applicant, Triliad Development Inc. of Thousand Oaks, went before the council.
"We look forward to working with the city and the staff on this," said Valerie Draeger, president of Triliad.
Councilwoman Janice Parvin said she is eager to review the project and volunteered to sit on an ad hoc committee. Councilwoman Roseann Mikos also volunteered to sit on the ad hoc committee.
"Yes, we like the idea and we want you to submit an application," Mikos said, speaking of the next steps in the process.
Studio officials have said the 600,000-square-foot facility could break ground as early as April 2009, with completion expected in 12 to 18 months.
Plans also call for an intersection, which would need the approval of the California Department of Transportation.
Studio plans call for 14 soundstages, ranging from 9,600 to 20,000 square feet. There also would be office buildings, a conference center, screening theater and an outside set that would be outfitted for rain and fire effects. Other amenities would include a health club, pool, spa and commissary.
Posted by CAtruckdriver on August 21, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Janice Parvin is FOR the new studio that will bring lots of tax revenue AND more truck traffic to the city of Moorpark but yet has been against all other truck traffic in the past??!!???!!
HIPPO-CRIT!
Posted by THX1138 on August 24, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
From what I've heard most production companies don't like to venture too far away from of the LA/Hollywood & San Fernando Valley areas. There are very few if any support companies, (props, audio/video etc) in Ventura Co.
It'll be interesting to see how they lure customers to the MP area...
Posted by rwfcpa on August 25, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are always two side to every coin. Before we get too giddy and revel in the thrill of having a studio in our backyard, all of the potential issues this will create have to gone over before any committment is made. If there are issues that we ultimately don't like, we need to discuss and resolve them before we sign on the dotted line. It is easy to get glamourized about something like this to the point that we don't get adequate compensation for the potential costs. Experience has taught me that when things are too good to be true there is always a catch somewhere. If I get elected to the City Council, I will prtect the rights of our current population.
Thanks,
Robert "Bob" Freeman
Posted by EileenMacEnery on August 26, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THX...the support "companies" may not be officially located in Hollywood, but do you really think that there are not sufficient employees of these support companies living in Ventura County??? I personally know three people who right now spend 3-5 hours PER DAY commuting from their homes HERE to go to work in the studios in LA.
And many of the owners and operators of these support businesses also live here in Ventura County.
And those who DONT live in Moorpark...if they have a JOB here, whatever more they might pay in rent here I am sure would be far outweighed by the cost of gas and car maintenance AND time on the freeways.
Think this through.
Posted by EileenMacEnery on August 26, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bob Freeman:
"GIDDY"??? Giddy about having a new business, which is going to provide jobs and tax revenue to the City of Moorpark and the residents of Ventura County???
Darn right we should be "giddy"!
Or is it the type of business you potentially dont like? One which folks associate with the film business and "celebrity"?
If you look at the history of Moorpark, Simi Valley and the Conejo, the film industry and its "celebrities" have been a singularly dynamic force behind the development of our area.
Moorpark College is now known around the world because of a curriculum which has its roots in the film industry.
Simi Valley and Moorpark have long been used as locations for movies and television.
Lake Sherwood (now one of the most beautiful gated exclusive communities in the world) got its name from the movies that were being filmed there.
Zoning a remote area for an industrial use such as a studio, is, and always has been totally compatible, with the area. Would you rather see the site used for something similar to one of Moorpark's other historically famous (or infamous) industries...Egg City?
What kind of "industry" and jobs do you want to bring to the City of Moorpark area, if not the film industry?
Or are you just seizing on this issue to have something to fight with the incumbents about?
I should think there are plenty of other issues which you could use to distinguish yourself from your opponents.
Posted by moorparkman2000 on August 26, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The only thing that I would be against for this is the fact that there will be an intersection here...I frequent the route every day, and love to speed up after the Tierra Rejada/118 intersection, but if it brings a new zeal to life here, as well as $$, then I'm for it.
Posted by rwfcpa on October 13, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
EileenMacEnery,
I just wanted to respond to your post. I never said I did or did not like it. I have neither taken a position for or against it. I simple stated that the city needs to explore what potential costs the city might incur as a result of this project and be adequately compensated for those cost.
I agree that this area has a rich history in the Television and Movie industry. However, it has little to do with making sure that Moorpark gets adequately compensated for builing that facility here.
If this studio is not built here, I am not advocated bringing an undesireable industry to the area. If the movie studio is not built there, what is the rush to put something there just for the sake of putting something there?
There are many important issues facing the city. The studio only is one of them. The residents need to understand where each one of us stands on these importnt issues so that the voters can make an informed decision.
Somehow you came to the conclusion that I am against the studio. At this point I am neural until I find out more about it. If people thought about their consequences before they did things they would avoid a lot of unecessary consequences and that is what the City of Moorpark needs to do now before signing an agreement. If you think it is best not think through the project and its consequences, I would like to know why?
Thanks,
Robert "Bob" Freeman
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