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VENTURA : Council Revises Redevelopment Plan

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The Ventura City Council has adopted a series of changes to its redevelopment plan in hopes of giving downtown a face-lift.

The council voted 5 to 1 Monday in favor of the revisions, which would double from 500 to 1,000 the number of residential units allowed in the district.

Other changes include allowing buildings up to 65 feet tall--about six stories--in two city blocks and 55 feet in two others, while the rest of the district maintains its 45-foot height limit.

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The city staff had originally proposed that the four blocks adjacent to the Ventura Freeway between Palm Street and California 33 be allowed to have buildings as high as 75 feet, but several hillside residents complained that the buildings would block their views.

The council supported a proposal by Councilman Gary Tuttle to lower the height limits by 20 feet in two blocks and 10 feet in the other two.

Other revisions call for most industrial buildings in the area to be replaced by commercial and residential structures, to encourage foot traffic. All new buildings will have to meet strict design standards and be compatible with the Victorian, Art Deco, mission or California bungalow styles prevalent in the area.

Developers will have to install benches and fountains in public places to get building permits, but council members said no new developments will be allowed until the city overcomes its water shortage.

The redevelopment district is bounded by Fix Way and Poli Street to the north, the Ventura Freeway to the south, Palm Street to the east and California 33 to the west.

Mayor Richard Francis abstained from voting, citing a conflict of interest because he said he owns an interest in a property near the district. Councilman Jim Monahan voted against the changes, saying he needed to hear more public input.

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