Moorpark Homeowners Reject Canyons’ Plan

More than 300 residents turned out at a Moorpark homeowners association meeting to protest a proposal to convert grassy canyons near the neighborhood into an equestrian center or other money-making venture.

The homeowners attending the annual meeting of the Campus Hills association on Tuesday voted almost unanimously against a proposal to commission a $5,000 study on how the neighborhood could earn revenue from the association-owned open space.

“I like the open space,” said homeowner Nicholas De Fiore. “That’s why I moved here.”

Only one person was seen raising her hand in support of the proposal.

The association’s seven-member board had suggested that the 397-home neighborhood near Moorpark College hire a consultant to study whether an equestrian center or other business venture should be established on two 20-acre canyons along Pecan Avenue.

Revenue earned through such a venture could help offset increasing costs of maintaining parks and other common areas in the neighborhood, board members told the crowd gathered at Campus Canyon School.

For instance, water bills for landscape maintenance and a neighborhood swimming pool are running about $5,000 per month, contrasted with the $2,000 per month that had been budgeted last year, board members said.

In addition, the developer, Calabasas-based Griffin Homes, recently filed for financial reorganization under Chapter 11, which could lead to further increased costs for the homeowners association, board members told the crowd.

The homeowners association may have to enter a costly lawsuit if the developer does not finish developing the remaining 87 lots in the subdivision and build the second community swimming pool that was promised, board member John Roberts said Wednesday.

But homeowners said they would rather cover increased costs with higher monthly fees than give up their open spaces.

Two years ago Campus Hills homeowners rejected a proposal by a previous board to make money by leasing part of the open space to people wanting to store boats and other recreational vehicles, Roberts said.