RESIDENTS WILL APPEAL LUBE SHOP APPROVAL.

Byline: Kevin F. Sherry Daily News Staff Writer

Dozens of neighbors are banding together to fight plans to build an auto lube shop on the northeast corner of Reyes Adobe Road and Canwood Street.

Residents say they will split the $777 cost of asking the City Council to overturn the Planning Commission's 4-1 approval last week of a 4,737-square-foot Agoura Hills Auto Detail & Express Lube.

More than 100 residents signed a petition opposing the shop, saying it was incompatible with the character of their neighborhood. Dozens showed up to protest the plans at the commission's Feb. 18 meeting, but to no avail.

``We presented all of our arguments of compatibility and we were basically brushed off,'' said resident Barbara Schweitzer. ``The disappointing thing about the meeting was that the Planning Commission ignored the issues and the residents.''

During the past two years, the proposed lube shop has undergone the most extensive review for a business of its size in the city's history, said Planning Commissioner Harry Schwarz, who voted for the project. The applicant adequately addressed the residents' concerns about odors, traffic, noise and geology, Schwarz said.

``I know it's not a popular thing that we did,'' he said. ``We have to make a decision based on the rules and the evidence that's in front of us.''

In letters to the city, residents say they fear an environmental hazard from the chemicals used in the shop, as well as increased noise, odors and traffic near the already crowded intersection.

``We moved to Agoura Hills six years ago because we appreciated the quality of life here,'' residents Angelo and Nancy Minicozzi wrote. ``We would not have purchased our home had this business been there then, and we certainly have no desire to live around the corner from it now.''

But Schwarz said no one from the neighborhood showed up to protest during the two years when the Planning Commission was studying the issue.

``This was not like an overnight decision,'' he said. ``No one showed up at any of our meetings to protest.''

The 1.01-acre was originally zoned residential, but was changed to commercial in 1987. In 1989 the Planning Commission rejected a proposal to build a 15,689-square-foot retail center there, saying the project was too big.

Two years later, the applicant revised the plan and the Planning Commission approved an 11,750-square-foot retail center. Residents appealed to the City Council, which overturned the Planning Commission decision and denied the application.