The Simi Valley City Council last week approved the creation of a two-person committee to infuse life into an outdated shopping center that has a history of failing to keep tenants and attract shoppers even though it’s located at one of the busiest intersections in Simi Valley.

In the coming weeks, Councilmembers Glen Becerra and Paul Miller will meet with Rubin-Pachulzki Properties, owners of the 40-year-old Mountain Gate Plaza located at Los Angeles Avenue and First Street, to outline a strategy for updating the property.

Becerra said the center has detracted from the community long enough and that it’s time to take action. He’d like to see the buildings demolished and attractive new ones built.

"In the six years I’ve been on the city council I’ve seen nothing happen except continued deterioration of that site," Becerra said. "I can’t see sitting idly by while the property deteriorates. I’m going to take an aggressive tack; this property is too important to us."

GHOST TOWN--The Mountain Gate Plaza Shopping Center, above and at left, sits over 50 percent vacant and the city council wants to work with the landlord to help bring business back.

The city can assist the owners with renovation design and planning procedures. The law, however, prevents the city from helping financially, said Brian Gabler, Simi Valley director of economic development.

The center carries a vacancy rate of over 50 percent, Gabler said. Its numerous owners over the years have failed to invest in major renovations, which led to the shopping center’s current state of affairs, he said.

The arrival of the Simi Valley Town Center mall has sparked new interest in the city’s retail scene, Gabler said. Owners can capitalize on the momentum by sprucing up the Mountain Gate center. Improving the property will attract and keep tenants, he said.

Rubin-Pachulzki Properties did not return phone calls for this story.