THOUSAND OAKS : Council to Consider ‘Gateways Policy’

Seeking to establish a uniform look for the city’s scenic entrances, the Thousand Oaks City Council will consider adopting a new “gateways policy” during a public hearing Tuesday.

To spruce up key intersections, a staff report recommends planting oak trees and installing city identification signs--possibly with a new, less-cluttered logo than the current Thousand Oaks seal. Other landscaping could include heavily planted medians or small parks stretching along the curb.

“A consistent theme . . . helps to establish and reinforce the community’s identity,” the staff report stated.

While the price tag varies depending on the intersection, previous gateway beautification efforts have cost as much as $1.5 million--for extensive road improvements and a mini-greenbelt along Hampshire Road. The subtle sign and landscaping at Lynn Road and Hillcrest Drive, across from Circuit City, cost about $94,000.

Funding for future gateway improvements could come from the city’s Redevelopment Agency or from federal grants. Thousand Oaks could be eligible for $700,000 in federal transportation funds if the city can come up with a near-matching amount of $600,000, according to Public Works Director John Clement.

Priority projects would include three primary gateways along the Ventura and Simi Valley freeways.

The report also identifies a dozen secondary entrances at major intersections, primarily along Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Hillcrest Drive and Moorpark Road.