OAK PARK : Supervisors OK 315 Single-Family Homes

Ending three years of public hearings, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a project with 315 single-family homes in the unincorporated Oak Park area near Thousand Oaks.

Four residents from nearby neighborhoods spoke in favor of the project but proposed modifications, including that the county block access to the proposed Jordan Ranch development.

Supervisor Maria VanderKolk, an opponent of the Jordan Ranch project, said an access route to Jordan Ranch would violate state environmental laws.

She suggested that the board dedicate a lot at the end of C Drive for the adjacent Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation District. The proposal would make it difficult for developers to build an access road through C Drive.

The rest of the board approved VanderKolk’s suggestion.

However, Supervisor Vicky Howard said she supported VanderKolk’s suggestion reluctantly. “I always hate to tie our hands on future actions,” she said.

The project, which will be built on 43 acres at the north end of Deerhill Road, was proposed by First City Properties of Beverly Hills. The development will bring the total number of houses in Oak Park to 4,864. Lots will range from 4,500 to 8,400 square feet.

First City President Nicholas Pappas also said he opposes providing access to the Jordan Ranch property.