OJAI : Developer May Not Donate Site for Park
A developer offering to donate a park to Ojai--in exchange for permission to build a subdivision--said he found the City Council’s reaction discouraging.
Howard M. Palmer said Tuesday that he needs more time to decide if he will withdraw his offer or pay up to $80,000 for an environmental study before the council votes on whether he can build a 26-lot subdivision.
“I’m still in shock,” Palmer said after the meeting. “We thought a park would be ideal. This is the best piece of property in Ojai.”
Council members said they doubt that any benefits of Palmer’s proposed 11-acre donation for a park or open space could offset the development’s impact on traffic, water and other natural resources. The property is next to Nordhoff High School.
But the council said it would have to see the results of a full study before it could give Palmer a decision.
“It looks like a good project on paper, but I can’t say more until I see more,” Councilman Robert McKinney said.
Councilman Joe DeVito said he was shocked that only one person spoke against Palmer’s proposal after about 80 opponents protested it in November.
John Christianson, an opposition leader, said Wednesday that he was unaware of the council’s discussion.
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