More Open Space for Agoura

Two parcels of land located on the south side of Agoura Road have been authorized for purchase by the city of Agoura Hills. Approving Resolution No. 10-1598 on Wednesday, the City Council sanctioned the acquisition of the land, totaling 36.22 acres at $53,400, for public use. 

"The city is just getting it for a song, basically," said Mayor Pro Tem Harry Schwarz. "We are so happy that staff keeps its eyes open for these opportunities. This is right in line with everything the city stands for."

In July, the city of Agoura Hills was informed by the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector's Office of two particular tax defaulted parcels of land within the Ladyface Mountain Specific Plan that were up for sale, said Doug Hooper, assistant director of community development with the city. 

One of these two parcels is 20.85 acres in size and is owned by Reuben Edison and Parvis Shavalian, with a defaulted tax amount of $28,463. The other parcel is 15.37 acres in size and is owned by Lincoln Agoura Hills II, with a defaulted tax amount of $24,937, according to Hooper. 

A portion of those amounts, $34,000, will be paid with oak tree mitigation funds, said Christy Pinuelas, the city's director of finance. The funds, which are provided by private development in-lieu fees, can be used for public oak tree habitat preservation purposes. The parcels support such a habitat, said Pinuelas. 

The remaining purchase balance, $19,400, would come from the city's general fund, Pinuelas said.

The two parcels were approved by the City Council on the consensus that the land be used for recreational opportunities, open space or other public-related purposes, said Hooper.

After the County Treasurer and Tax Collector's Office determines that the city meets the pre-qualification requirements, the purchase will be completed.