Area Hospital to Expand

After more than 60 speakers and a five-hour meeting, the Thousand Oaks City Council approved an expansion plan for Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center.

Mayor Dennis Gillette rescued himself because he lives within 500 feet of the hospital and Councilwoman Claudia Bill-de la Pena abstained because her husband works at the hospital.

The plan includes an additional fourth floor for an existing building, a new parking garage for hospital workers, and a new four-story wing attached to the main building.

The estimated price is $245 million and there is no clear estimate on how long construction would take.

Supporters claim the expansion would provide better medical care to the area’s growing population while the new facilities would attract quality physicians.

They also believe the expansion would bring the hospital into compliance with state seismic regulations. A recent survey by the state found the building risked collapse in the event of a strong earthquake.

Opponents asked the council to delay approval pending the submission of a master plan for the hospital. They objected to the increased traffic, noise, and potential decrease in property values to nearby neighborhoods.