Posted by UncleRico on June 27, 2008 at 5:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hooray! Another shopping center in Simi. And the location is perfect. There is absolutely no place to buy stuff nearby.

Posted by mtnbkr on June 27, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Escrow closed in 2007"? Thanks so much to the Oakridge Staff for telling me that when I signed up for a FAMILY Membership just after the NEW YEAR......JERKS!

Posted by MrMAB on June 27, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mtnbkr: I don't know if you paid for a year-long membership or longer, but it'll likely be awhile before construction starts. If they cut your membership short, you certainly have the right to go in and request your money back...either in full or pro-rated.

Posted by MrMAB on June 27, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now we just need a WHOLE FOODS market on the opposite corner!

Posted by MrMAB on June 27, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now we just need a WHOLE FOODS market on the opposite corner!

Posted by ontvnst on June 27, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why does Simi need another shopping center? We cant even fill the ones we have. We have vacant sites everywhere.
The newspaper says "popular athletic club in the city" Why would you want to tear down a POPULAR PLACE? Its just another greedy company coming into Simi and taking over.

Its sad that the people have no vote in this matter. I feel sorry for the residents, the employees and the members of the gym. This is the only gym like this around. It should be made into a historical site for being the longest running gym in Simi.
" McGuigan said he was in favor of a shopping center at the location" What a jerk! I am sure he doesnt utilize the gym! Another greedy move by the planning commission and the council members. I am sure its because Simi will make a % of money from sales of these shopping centers. But isnt it more important to keep the residents of Simi happy and healthy? If you every go by the gym anytime during the day its always busy.
I wish everyone who belongs to the gym STOPS PAYING and going.

Posted by SimiProud on June 27, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's all about the money! Money, Money Money.

Never good planning or management.

It's all about the money!

Time go get another planning commissioner and city council.

Politicians, who needs them?

Posted by Amazon on June 27, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe the planning commission had no choice in this---The gym was already sold to Treadwell Robertson (a real estate investment company), and they applied for an amendment to an already existing planned development permit. If the applicant met all standards, they approve it. They don't really have a say so with the gym--Treadwell Robertson decides what they want to do with it and they can close it tomorrow without asking the city. The previous owner sold it to the Treadwell Robertson, kinda screwing over the clientele. What is wrong is that Treadwell Robertson refurbished the gym and gave no indication about their plans. I believe they can just close, without any warning since it was recommendation by the Neighborhood Council for them to give several months warning, but not a condition for approval. Treadwell Robertson has been very vague when they plan to start building. The Neighborhood Council report said it could happen within a year or after a year. No one knows. It can be anytime. So, I think it is good that the word is getting out so patrons of the gym can now make a decision whether they want to stay or leave.

Posted by Indy on June 27, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The members of this club would have most likely paid higher fees to keep this club open, given the opportunity. Upgrade it, make it even a better family friendly healthy place to Simi to go. I can't believe the planning commision would allow more buildings...when there are empty strip malls on every corner! It's not like the economy right now is supporting more spending and will support even more shops!

Posted by 1MeanMom on June 27, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A few things...Oakridge is Month-to-Month, so there will be no fees collected without services rendered. Second...PLEASE do not stop going to the gym. This will only cause it to close faster. As long as it is making money and there is a recession there is reason to keep it open and running. Third...these things take time. The Planning Commissions decision was the first of several steps needed to go forward with this project. Fourth...Mr Robertson & his group did not remodel the gym, that was done by the previous owners.

That being said, I am very disheartened by the fact that Oakridge is closing. It is a true family gym. It has some of the only raquetball courts in town, as well as the best pool and tennis courts. It's staff is consistent...not like the staff turn-over at many other area gyms. They offer free child care and a ton of childrens programs...all included in the monthly fee. And you can go there regardless of fitness level and feel comfortable.

I am truly disgusted at the Planning Commissions' brush-off of the fact that there are many empty retail spaces in this town. The comment that "there wasn't any empty space a few years ago" is totally bogus. When there wasn't enough space they allowed business to go on a virtual building frenzy. They, however, have refused to concede that Simi is not conducive to all this retail space...it simply cannot sustain that many retail businesses as is demonstrated by the sheer number of businesses that have failed in all these other locations (including the new Town Centre). And it certainly doesn't have the median income to support the "High End" shops that Mr. Robertson has planned for the location.

The final thing that the City Council and the Planning Commission failed to see is that the Oakridge Athletic Club actually DRIVES traffic to the mall. People who are already at the gym are more likely to pop over and pick up something at the mall than they are to make a special trip. And they certainly are not going to go to one shopping center just to go up to another...people today want to make as few trips as possible.

Mr. Robertson's big "failure of foresight" is that health clubs are now considered by many to be recession-proof. People consider their membership at a gym to be a necessity, not a luxury as they have in the past. And many companies and health insurances will pay for all or part of a gym's membership fees, in an effort to keep there employees and their families healthy and medical insurance costs down. These businesses are a billion dollar industry and they are only continuing to grow. (Unlike the current retail market.) Mr Robertson and his partners would be prudent to consider expanding their portfolio to included the health and fitness industries. They may well find a more lucrative source of funding as well as have a good feeling of helping to improve a neighborhood and it's residents, not create another retail eyesore.

Posted by IslandFun on June 27, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, at least Meanmom1 came up with a financial reason for Oakridge to stay open. The rest of you are basically saying that you don't agree with a free market economic system. I guess that just reveals the hypocrisy of so many republicans, given the political majority of Simi Valley.

Posted by eggsorpancakes on June 27, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was a member at Oakridge. The building inside is in major need of a makeover anyways...can anyone say faux wood paneling? It's time to see it 1)get renovated or 2)go bye-bye. The latter being what is obviously going to eventually occur.

I welcome the additional amenities that a new mini-wall will provide...how about a good bagel place...geez? However I do agree that on any given day the Town Center is empty...how the place (excluding restaurants) stays in business is beyond me. It probably shouldn't have been an outdoor mall...too hot in the summer...too cold in the winter and given that Simi is a very family friendly town...something like a carousel or anything else that kids to do would have been great!

Posted by 44cf on June 27, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oakridge was a pretty good health club, but it sure had the potential for much greater success. The tennis courts and kids programs: better than what any other gym in Simi could offer. Plus it has a real community feel. But you you got to wonder whether the owners just gave up on their business model in the face of growing competition. The eggsorpancakes' comment about faux wood paneling couldn't have summarized better why I quit my membership there. Simi Valley now has a Golds Gym that went over the top (do we really need TVs on EVERY cardio machine?) to take away from the established gyms; 24 hr fitness now has two locations; YMCA has the superior pool (but the equipment is dated and the hours are limited. Oakridge had the advantage. It just needed to make some improvements. It was locally owned. It had culture and a following. It's too bad the owners couldn't have reignited their passion for a fitness with a major remodel, inside and out. Is it too late?

Posted by rg on June 27, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The first I heard about this was when I saw the sign go up and got the flyer in the mail. I am sure that there are still a lot of people who don't know about this. I made the time to go and speak out against this even though I have never been a member of the gym.

IslandFun, while I recognize the owners right to do what he wants with the property, what he wants to do just isn't in the best interest of the valley. I am not anti-development. Frankly, I was for the original proposal on the Unocal property. Instead we get a larger trash dump.

Despite what one of the commissioners said at the meeting, Simi's shopping malls have had lots of vacancies for years. When was the last time MountainGate was fully occupied? Sycamore plaza has had tenants coming and going for years.

Another thing the article didn't say is that the architecture of the project is quite attractive. As I said at the meeting, I would be very much in favor of having the City just give him MountainGate instead if it could turn out as nice looking as the proposed project. But until all of the town center is built out and full, MountainGate is full, the retail space at the new Target is full, and all the other existing mini malls are full, we really don't need this. And I say this even though it will be quite convenient for me - it is only a few hundred feet from my home.

Posted by MadMac on June 27, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's rather disturbing about this is that right now on the Oakridge website, their July newsletter is inviting members to "refer a friend". The membership has been told nothing officially about what's going on.

As for the YMCA as an alternative, that's a joke. "Personal trainers" who don't turn up for appointments and desk staff who don't even recognize your arrival. I'll be 500 pounds and die of heart disease before I go back there.

Posted by shadymilkman33 on June 27, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just like everyone else has said, what do we need MORE retail for? "The first floor of the club facility will remain and house one or two tenants, which may include a Trader Joe's-type neighborhood grocery store." There is is Vons right down the street! And has anyone been to Mountain Gate Plaza? It's a wasteland! Why don't they try and revamp that place and utilize that space? I've been going to Oakridge for years, and its the only real gym that has a family feel. Good job, forget the small town feel of Simi! When there is money to be made!

Posted by my2cents4u on June 27, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I went to the planning commission meeting to oppose the new project. I tried to get several of my neighbors to attend, but no one wanted to put in the time. Some of them felt that there was no point, because they have come out to oppose other projects and it did not matter anyway.
I did a lot of research and made several points in my statement. The planning commission just cruised right past everything I said, and although he could have - Mr. Robertson felt no obligation whatsoever to address any of the unanswered questions either.
Mr. Robertson states that they are going to lease the units to "upscale" tenants. What happens after the development is finished and the units are leased? Then Mr. Robertson sells the site to a new property owner. When the upscale tenants move out, the new owner will lease the units to whatever stores they choose.
Also, the Town Center is not even fully leased, so what makes them think this site will stay leased?
This deal was made about 3 years ago when the Town Center plan was approved. That is when they should have had the public hearings. They probably did, but how many citizens pay that much attention to something that is going to happen 3 years later? Now it is too late because the deals have been made years ago.
Anyway, it is obvious that the planning commission is more concerned about what type of palm trees will be planted, not about what happens to the center when Mr. Robertson sells it and moves on to his next town.
The plan is beautiful, however, couldn't they have come up with something that would have incorporated the athletic club? The club is an icon of the town. Very sad.
Next time you guys should come out to voice your concerns, before it is too late. By the way, the citizens have 14 days to appeal the Planning Commission's approval - before it goes to the City Council. Anyone who wishes to appeal the decision still has time.

Posted by someonewhoknows on June 27, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course Oakridge is still promoting membership. Long term planning is a long term process and any scheduled date for closure is measured in years. Over the past month, Oakridge members who asked were provided pertinent information in the form of a frequently asked questions/answers hand-out. The reality is that there is no risk, only reward to joining Oakridge now or continuing a membership. No upfront fee is being collected, no contract is signed and no fees will ever be collected without matching services being delivered or a refund issued. The fact is, childcare remains free, more group exercise classes are being taught than at any other local club and the location cannot be beat. Tennis courts and racquetball courts are open and quality instruction is available. Free assistance is still available in the weight room and the swimming pool is the finest and largest of any health club in Simi Valley. Personal training by experienced and certified staff is ongoing. Oakridge remains family friendly offering a variety of popular children's programs. Next week end the locker room carpeting will be replaced and a website redesign will debut in July. New equipment for the water aerobics program has been ordered and more Bosu's are on the way. All that you have come to expect is still there and the goal is to continue to provide the same quality and programs that Oakridge has always delivered. Go visit Oakridge tommorrow, next week, next month or next year. It will be open for business. Someonewhoknows does know.

Posted by concernned on June 28, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am so sad to see Oakridge go - when it does. I heard it would not be for some time BUT it will happen eventually. I know it is independently owned, so the owner can do whatever he wants, but obviously he is all about the $$, he is not investing in his health or wellbeing. He bought the gym to make a profit.
Oakridge has been here for 30 years. There is not another gym around that compares to the family atmosphere, pool, racquetball, or tennis.
This is upsetting so many people all because of $$$.
Why not build the strip mall ( that we need?) around the gym? Keep the gym and update it. Everyone would be happy. Janass Mall has a gym inside, Topanga Mall has a gym inside.
Oakridge must make some $ with it's 3600 members.

Posted by Amazon on June 28, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

someonewhoknows, you obviously work for the gym or have some kind of investment in it! That's good to know the gym will still be around for awhile, but I think the gym has an obligation to keep its members informed. Especially new members. And someone mentioned above that the gym is month to month membership, which is good. I would hate to see a new member sign a contract and pay an initiation fee when the gym could close at any time. Gyms do it all the time. I'm glad this article came out so at least members know. And new members can look more closely at their contracts when they sign. They have a right to know.

Posted by rg on June 28, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

someonewhoknows, if you are not Mr. Robertson perhaps you could suggest to him that when the time comes to Simi he should move the club to another location, not simply tear it down.

Posted by tom on June 28, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gold's Gym and 24Hr fitness will be happy to welcome the Oakridge members to their clubs.

Oakridge members will be able to seamlessly transfer over to the gym in Simi Valley of their choice. That is what has happened in the past.

The Town Center development enhanced the value of Oakridge's property above it's recreational use. The Oakridge management should be highly commended for providing Simi Valley with such great resources and dedication for so many years.

The health club business is demanding. Clients always expect cleanliness, extended hours, benefits (e.g. child care), latest equipment, bargain, atmosphere, results, support, plenty of parking, expensive air conditioning and good customer service. It is a very tough business venture to sustain for as many years as Oakridge has. Maintaining racquetball, tennis courts, outdoor swimming, aerobics, fitness and a big parking lot do not provide much return on investment.

I hoped the property would be developed into another hotel and not a shopping center, oh well.

The community of Simi that makes up Oakridge is the same population at Gold's Gym and 24hr fitness. Oakridge members (aside from the raquet players) will find those two facilities are "family oriented" as well. Gold's Gym's child care is awesome. So is the facility.

I wish the Meek's their best days ahead. Simi owes the Meek family big thanks for providing the community with great services at Oakridge for so many years. I hope the sale was very profitable for them. They deserve it!!!

I encourage all Oakridge members to start making their shift now to Gold's or 24 Hour to bolster these other facilities so they can now focus on your fitness success!!!

Posted by 1MeanMom on June 29, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tom,
While I respect your opinion that 24hour and Gold's are equal in their facilities and membership, I have to respectfully disagree. Oakridge provides the only truly "family atmosphere". The others provide "awesome" childcare for a FEE...a fee that can double or triple the average members dues. Many of us simply cannot afford this cost. They also offer NO children's programming. And I have repeatedly heard from past members of these gyms that they feel like a "meat-market"...not very "family oriented" if you ask me.

And, as a past member of 24hour, they simply do not offer the classes (either in number or variety) that Oakridge has to offer. All this coupled with the fact that we wil be losing the tennis & racquetball. Not to mention the best, largest, and only well-staffed pool/acquatic program in Simi Valley.

I understand that a athletic club is a large undertaking. As well as an expense. But it can be a very lucrative investment when managed properly...as I believe and know Oakridge has been.

Unless one of these other clubs changes is programs, facilities and childcare policies I know many people will not be able to just "seemlessly transfer" over. And many of the instructors will not be able to find work at these clubs...just not enough classes to go around.

I hope someone takes up the slack and sees that there is a great demand for this type of facility in Simi. And that it could be a highly profitable undertaking. As I stated in my previous post, maybe Mr Robertson could seek to expand his investment portfolio and find a place in it for a gym of this caliber. If not at the Erringer site, perhaps somewhere else in town. We certainly aren't lacking for empty retail space to convert!.

Posted by secforce146 on June 29, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope they put in a massage parlor, tattoo studio, head shop, gentlemans club, free clinic, and a place for AA meetings. Why not, Simi leadership has been heading in the direction of the S.F. Valley for years now.

Posted by tom on June 30, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mean Mom,

My post never said the facilities were equal. Moreover, the workout equipment facilities at Gold's Gym are far superior to the offering at Oakridge.

You call out a desire for someone to provide you with all the money losing services: "free" childcare, staffed aquatics programming, tennis courts, racquet ball, numerous classes.

Mean mom, I assure you no one can sustain the services you desire at the price you want to pay for a profit in a small town like Simi Valley.

Appreciate Oakridge managers took home substantially less profit for many years to provide a great service to the community. It was time for Oakridge to "cash out." Luckily they could and did.