OJAI : Low-Income Units OKd Despite Protest

Despite protests from about 50 Ojai residents who say low-income housing developments breed crime and shabby living conditions, the Planning Commission approved a project Wednesday that could add 21 apartments to the city’s stock of homes for the poor.

In a unanimous vote, the commission gave Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. permission to proceed with the project, a move that could provide housing in the Libbey Park area for under $350 a month.

Since 1983, only 50% of the city’s affordable housing allotment has been built, while nearly 180% of the projected need for higher cost housing has been met, Planning Director Bill Prince said.

But many residents remained opposed to the project, and some raised objections ranging from a possible increase in violent crime to the establishment of slum conditions.

“Is the city ready to hire more police before this project is approved?” Christine Campbell asked. “What will this property do to my property values?”

Jacqueline Burge said she had gathered 425 signatures from people who think that the North Montgomery Street site is not suited to such development.

Consultants have reviewed six possible locations for the housing, but none was considered as good as the proposed site.

The project, to be built on two acres, would consist of three buildings, including nine two-bedroom apartments and 12 three-bedroom apartments.