Target's application to build on a shuttered Kmart site in the west end of Simi Valley, with the potential of creating about 250 jobs, was sent back this week for further negotiations.

While city officials have touted the future 143,000-square-foot store as a revitalization of the corner of Madera and Tierra Rejada roads, the Planning Commission voted 4-1 Wednesday to kick it back to the city staff.

The commission wants the mega retailer to resolve some design and construction conditions, including a new storm drain connection that Target said was cost-prohibitive.

Target agreed to pay for the connection three years ago, when it first came to the city about the project. Then it was estimated to cost $75,000 to $100,000. But with increasing construction costs, the price tag could go up to $250,000.

Casden Properties is building a large residential housing community nearby on Madera Road and is shouldering most of the $6 million cost to construct the Madera storm drain, planners said. As part of a city agreement, all new tenants who build near the corner are supposed to help pay for the project.

Chris Oberender, principal engineer for the city, said Target wants to continue using Sycamore drain to the south.

"But that facility is overreached already," Oberender said.

The city is also asking for parking lot improvements and lights, which could cost $100,000, and the addition of a turn lane on Madera Road, which could add another $100,000, planners said.

The city wants to prohibit deliveries to the shopping center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Target said the other stores in the shopping center would need to receive deliveries during those hours.

While not saying what this project would cost, Target representative Eric Paget said the average cost of building a new Target hovers around $27 million. In the Wednesday me eting, he told the commission the economic outlook was different when they first looked at the property.

"Three years ago, we were definitely in a different economy," Paget said.

Target representatives said the project has already gone about $500,000 over budget because of property acquisition and other unforeseen costs.

Calls to Target, based in Minnesota, were not returned Thursday or Friday.

The Planning Commission also wants to minimize the "big box" look by adding stonework and a tower to break up the roof line.

About 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 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.

Commissioner Jim Dantona Jr., the lone dissenter, said he thought it was time for the Planning Commission to make a decision.

"I would have liked to approve it, with whatever changes we came up with in the meeting," he said.

"The longer we take, the more holding costs there are for Target to put this in. Now we're adding another month to the whole process."

Nearby, there is a retirement community whose residents have spoken in favor of the project. Neighbors in Friendly Village signed a petition in support of the store with about 100 signatures.

Paula Malloy was upset the Planning Commission didn't send the project along to the City Council.

"I think they went above and beyond what was expected of them," Malloy said.

She said her neighbors who can't drive used to go to Kmart for their groceries and have been looking forward to Target taking its place. Malloy also said she thinks the abandoned Kmart site is unsightly.

"A dirt mound would look better than the graffiti that's out there," Malloy said.