American Jewish University - Camp Alonim Project

The Project Applicant requests a Major Modification to Conditional Use Permit No. 1776 and a Discretionary Tree Permit be granted to authorize development of additional facilities at Camp Alonim. Proposed facilities include the following: • Welcome Center: a 4,460 sq. ft. building consisting of a lobby, staff lounge, offices, and meeting rooms; • Camper Cabins: 13 camper cabins, each consisting of 1,930 sq. ft. with two bunkrooms and two bathrooms; • Head Counselor Cabins: three cabins of 441 sq. ft. each; • Arts Pavilion: a 2,307 sq. ft. open-air shade structure for arts and crafts activities; • Parking Lot: a new 58-space parking lot adjacent to the Welcome Center; and • Landscaping: landscaping improvements around the new structures. Three housing trailers, two cottages, and a garage would be demolished to accommodate the new development. The Project would also require the removal of 74 trees, 15 of which are protected. The protected trees to be removed include nine coast live oaks, one sycamore, and five large ornamental trees that are classified as heritage trees. The heritage trees include four pepper trees and one eucalyptus tree. The Project would also encroach upon the protected zones of 67 trees, 42 of which are protected trees. These include 20 oaks, 18 sycamores, and four heritage-sized pepper trees. The total allowed number of camp attendees would increase from 472 (400 for Camp Alonim, 72 for the Brandeis Collegiate Institute) to 572 (500 for Camp Alonim, 72 for the Brandeis Collegiate Institute). The allowable number of events, which are presently limited to 15 days per year on Saturdays and Sundays with up to 300 attendees, would increase to the following: • up to 150 annual event days with attendance of up to 300 people; • up to ten annual event days with attendance of up to 500 people; and • up to six annual event days with attendance of up to 1,000 people. There would be no change to the maximum number of camp staff, which would remain at 200. Peppertree Lane, a private road, provides access to the camp. Peppertree Lane is the southern continuation of Tapo Canyon Road, a major thoroughfare in Simi Valley. Access would remain unchanged with the development of the Project. Water services are provided by the Brandeis-Bardin Mutual Water Company, which receives imported water through the Calleguas Municipal Water District. Wastewater is handled by the City of Simi Valley. As part of the Major Modification, the Conditional Use Permit’s scope will also be expanded to include authorization of all existing and proposed Brandeis-Bardin Mutual Water Company facilities. The proposed project would also extend the life of the Conditional Use Permit for the camp and associated uses. Presently, the Conditional Use Permit is set to expire in 2042. As proposed, the permit would be extended indefinitely and would not have an expiration date.