8-Lot Project Near Cemetery Opposed

The Ojai Planning Commission has voted unanimously to recommend denial of a controversial eight-lot subdivision near Nordhoff Cemetery. Joseph Macaluso, who wants to build seven houses for his five children and grandchildren, said he was surprised and angered at the decision because an environmental report found that the homes will use less water than about 100 orange trees now on the property.

The City Council will consider the project on June 26, but Macaluso said he believes his chances for approval are slim. The commission said that building the houses would endanger wildlife habitat in an oak woodland and destroy some of Ojai’s open space.

By installing low-flow plumbing fixtures in the new houses, retrofitting the house now on the property and by not allowing any lawns, a consultant hired by Macaluso said the tract would need two-thirds less water than it now needs.

Macaluso, who said he once built 5,000 houses in New York, declared that if he cannot construct houses for his family, he will raise 2,000 to 3,000 pigs on the property.