The Thousand Oaks Planning Commission voted 3-1 to move ahead with the specific plan’s first mixed-use project on Feb. 13.

Thousand Oaks-based Daly Group aims to turn the former Lupe’s Mexican restaurant at 1710 Thousand Oaks Boulevard into a three-story project featuring 36 apartments and close to 5,000 square feet of commercial space. The apartments will predominantly be two-bedroom as well as four live-work apartments. The property will also feature a public park and recreation area.

“There is support from the community and the developer is anxious to start the construction of the project,” said Haider Alawami, the Thousand Oaks economic development manager.

The Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan was intended to incentivize property renovations, build additional housing units and attract more businesses to the 3-mile stretch that spans Moorpark Road to Duesenberg Drive.

The local business improvement district led the adoption of the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan in 2011, which was crafted over a five-year public process. The new rules eased up parking restrictions, allocated 214 housing units to the area and allowed retail developers to build right up to the sidewalk rather than be set back behind parking.

Reducing onsite parking requirements for medical providers paved the way for Kaiser and UCLA clinics.

• Contact Alex Kacik at akacik@pacbiztimes.com.