The Simi Valley Planning Commission has sent back to the city staff Target's application to build a 143,000-square-foot store in the west end of town, citing too many "loose ends."

"We're not quite there yet," said Commissioner Timothy Shannon at a meeting on Wednesday. "We're just too far apart on it."

While all commissioners said they want Target on the corner of Madera and Tierra Rejada roads, better compromises must be made with several key conditions, including landscaping, signage and drainage, they said.

The big contention is connecting to the future Madera Road storm drain, currently being designed and installed as a part of the Casden residential project. But Target representatives said it would be too expensive to connect, and they've already gone over budget with the project.

"It kills me to tell you this — I'm a faithful Target shopper," said Commissioner Mary Bibb. "But I do think you have a lot of issues with staff," she said to Target representatives.

The commission voted 4-1 Wednesday night, and Target must continue to work with the city staff. Commissioner Jim Dantona was the lone voice in favor of approving the application, with some conditions, and sending it to the City Council as planned.

One Friendly Village resident spoke in favor of the project, while Darren Embry of Casden Properties emphasized Target should be responsible for connecting to the Madera drain.

The Target building would replace what city officials have called a blighted corner, on the site of the former Kmart. The main building would stand 28 feet high with a 36-foot rear tower.

In addition, 9,200 square feet of retail shops would be 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 gas station property is under separate ownership, and the Calleguas water building would remain.

The project would be similar in design and architectural elements to the Simi Valley Town Center, reflecting a Mediterranean theme with design elements that use stone, multi-toned roof tile, tile windows and recesses, decorative iron bars and metal lattices. Windows would be at all entries, including the cafe and office areas, with additional display windows near the Target entry. The proposed retail shops on the east side would have similar design features.

The existing Kmart building and most of the adjoining shops to the west would be demolished and the site would be cleared. The city staff asked that Target integrate the Arco gas station on the corner of the intersection into the site's redesign. Target has not pursued the integration of the site but did allow for about 22 feet of gas station expansion area to the west of the gas station, subject to future negotiations, a staff report says.