Ventura County Development Pushes Ahead
Despite some local opposition, large developments in Ventura County are moving ahead to add homes, businesses and local attractions to the area. On May 8, 2007, Santa Paula voters approved plans to amend the city's general plan to include the neighboring Adams Canyon area. This measure paves the way for the development of up to 495 large homes, an 18-hole golf course and a 200-room hotel and spa. Santa Paula is located 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 14 miles east of Ventura. In Oxnard, redevelopment and expansion of the Channel Islands Harbor is pushing ahead, notwithstanding some local resistance (including a lawsuit currently on appeal). Ventura County, which owns the harbor, has been working with developers to add new homes, renovate and expand marinas and redevelop the wharf with new restaurants, stores and hotels. Two new housing developments alone will collectively include over 1,000 new homes (including town houses and condominiums). Greystar Real Estate Partners is planning to demolish existing businesses (Casa Sirena hotel and Lobster Trap restaurant) and replace them with new restaurants, retail stores and hotels. Although not all area residents are happy with the change, many residents are hopeful that the aging, neglected harbor will be revitalized by the development and raise the value of their area homes.
Gregory W. Griggs, Los Angeles Times, Santa Paula OKs Twice-Defeated Luxury Housing, May 10, 2007; Gary Polakovic, Los Angeles Tmes, Harbor Makeover Sails Ahead, May 7, 2007
